L7: Neurotransmitter identification & proof of function

Question 1

4 usual steps towards establishing a neurotransmitter

Answer 1

1) Identify biological activity of tissue extract
2) Identify the active principle (caused by anything?)
3) Satisfy the 7 criteria for neurotransmitter
4) Identify the physiological roles

Question 2

Define piloerection

Answer 2

Hairs on the body stands up

Question 3

Define bladder relaxation

Answer 3

Less likely to pee

Question 4

Strong to weak scale of
1) sympathetic nerve stimulation
2) adrenaline
3) noradrenaline

IN PILOERECTION

Answer 4

1) Strong
2) Weak
3) Strong

Question 5

Strong to weak scale of
1) sympathetic nerve stimulation
2) adrenaline
3) noradrenaline

IN BLADDER RELAXATION

Answer 5

1) Weak
2) Strong
3) Weak

Question 6

What does identification usually require?

Answer 6

Histology

Question 7

Synthesis of noradrenaline in the nerve

Answer 7

1) Tyrosine converted to dopa by tyrosine hydroxylase

2) Dopa converted to dopamine by dopa decarboxylase

3) Dopamine converted to NA by dopamine-beta-hydroxylase

Question 8

What are storage vesicles for NA detected by?

Answer 8

Electron microscopy

Question 9

What does vesicles have which allow them to react quickly with nerve membrane & release concentrated transmitter into synaptic gap?

Answer 9

Specialised protein structures

Question 10

How does vesicles isolate from nerves?

Answer 10

Ultracentrifugation

Question 11

Why is it important to identify transmitters?

Answer 11

Facilitates understanding of disease mechanisms & allows development of selective drugs as therapeutic agents

Question 12

3 reasons for noradrenaline is it important to identify transmitters

Answer 12

1) Hypertension
2) Heart failure
3) Depression