Endogenous Monoamine Systems SEM2 Flashcards
What are key monoamines in the CNS
Acetylcholine (ACh)
Dopamine (DA)
Noradrenaline (NA)
Serotonin
What are the major pathways where acetylcholine (ACh) is used in the brain
Nucleus basalis to cortex
Septal nucleus to hippocampus
In basal ganglia
What is the importance of the nucleus basalis to cortex pathway
Crucial for attention, learning and memory
What is the importance of the septal nucleus to hippocampus pathway
Important for memory formation and retrival
What is the importance of the basal ganglia pathway
Involved in motor control and cognitive functions
What is central acetylcholines relation to cognition
ACh enhances cognitive functions e.g attention and processing speed
Why is a result of inhibiting the breakdown of ACh
Increased processing speed because inhibiting the breakdown of ACh = more ACh present in synaptic cleft = ACh receptors are activated for longer duration of time
What are the main dopaminergic pathways in the brain
Nigrostriatal pathway
Mesocortical/mesolimbic pathway
Tuberohypophyseal pathway
What is the role of the nigrostriatal pathway
Regulates motor control
What is the role of the mesocortical/mesolimbic pathway
Mesocortical - influences cognitive function
Mesolimbic - role in reward, motivation and emotional behaviour
What is the role of the tuberohypophyseal pathway
Modulates hormone release at pituitary gland
What is amphetamine
Synthetic substance that promotes the release of neurotransmitters
what is the underlying cause in parkinsons disease
Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway -> causes motor symptoms e.g tremors
What is general treatment for parkinsons disease
L-DOPA is used to compensate for the reduced dopamine production
What is the role of L-DOPA
Used for its ability to convert into dopamine in the brain