Kawasi Lett

Question 1

Gabriel et al observed a decrease in NMDA induced locomotor frequency in the presence of serotonin. Serotonin is likely to influence an outward current.

Answer 1

T

Question 2

The majority of neurons in the Raphe nuclei of the medulla are serotonergic.

Answer 2

T

Question 3

Gabriel et al observed that 5-HT changed the shape of the rising phase of the membrane potential oscillations. Which current is likely reduced in these neurons?

Answer 3

Sodium (YES)

Question 4

Gabriel et al showed that 5-HT induced a decrease in NMDA induced locomotor frequency in the absence of inhibition. What was the source of this inhibition that they tested?

Answer 4

Glycinergic synapses between oscillators (YES)

Question 5

Draw a diagram of a pair of half center oscillators connected by reciprocal inhibition showing their electrophysiological output. Briefly explain how the glycine receptor works. Be sure to mention what happens to Vm and what ion is involved. Draw the output of the half center oscillator from (a) when glycine receptors are blocked by strychnine.

Answer 5

• Glycine receptor is an ionotropic receptor. When glycine binds to the receptor, this channel opens allowing negatively charged chloride ions to move into the intracellular space.
• They look synchronous or burst independently of each other.