ELM22: Neuropathology Flashcards
What are synaptopathies?
Brain disorders caused by synaptic dysfunction
What are the three different mechanisms of synaptopathies?
Alterations in NT synthesis of release
Alterations in pre-synaptic vesicle machinery
Alterations in signalling expression and function of post synaptic NT receptors
What effect does LTP have on dendritic spine size?
Increased spine size
What effect does LTD on dendritic spine size?
Decreased spine size
What does dendritic spine size effect?
Post synaptic density
Number of glutamate receptors
Synaptic strength
What can occur in the brain due to morphological changes in dendritic spines?
Cognitive alterations
Neuropyschiatric disease
What are some causes of synaptopathies?
Genetics
Drug use
Aging
Viral infections
What can synaptopathies lead to?
Abnormal dendritic spine density and morphology
Synapse loss
Neuronal death
Aberrant synaptic signalling and plasticity
What is thought to be the cause of epilepsy?
Imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory circuits
What is thought to be the mechanism resulting in epileptic seizures?
- Enhanced glutamatergic neurotransmission and decreased GABA release
- Increase in excitatory neurotransmission
- Seizure episodes
What is Levetiracetam as a treatment for epilepsy?
Reduces NT release at glutaminergic synapses
What is Valproate as a treatment for epilepsy?
Increased amount of inhibitory GABA
What is Phenytoin as a treatment for epilepsy?
Prolongs Na+ channel inactivation
What are channelopathies?
Group of disorders caused by dysfunction of ion channels
How can channelopathies cause convulsions?
- Abnormal calcium and potassium channels in the brain
- Repolarisation defects
- Convulsions
What is GRIN2B?
Gene encoding NR2B
NR2B is involved in glutamate binding