Lecture 19 – NS V -- Synapses Flashcards
LO1: how are messages transmitted form one neuron to another?
electrical synapse and chemical synapse
LO1: how are messages transmitted form one neuron to another?
electrical synapse (explain, advantages, disadvantages):
adjacent cells joined by gap junctions
ions diffuse directly from 1 cell to next
advantage: much faster
disadvantage: can’t integrate info
LO1: how are messages transmitted form one neuron to another?
chemical synapse (explain, advantages, disadvantages):
gap b/n 2 neurons
info passes chemically in form of neurotransmitters
advantage:
NTs can be both excitatory and inhibitory
quantity can vary –> allows integration of info
LO2: what kind of molecules are neurotransmitters?
“classical” neurotransmitters are ___
small molecules
LO2: what kind of molecules are neurotransmitters?
___ neurotransmitters are small molecules
“classical”
LO2: what kind of molecules are neurotransmitters?
list out different types of “classical” NTs:
amino acids
monoamines
acetylcholine
ATP and its derivatives (adenosine)
LO2: what kind of molecules are neurotransmitters?
“classical” NTs:
(amino acids, monoamines, acetylcholine, ATP & derivatives)
peptides
some “unconventional” NTs (modulators)
LO2: what kind of molecules are neurotransmitters?
examples of amino acid NTs:
glutamate – excitatory
GABA – inhibitory
glycine – inhibitory
LO2: what kind of molecules are neurotransmitters?
examples of monoamine NTs:
catecholamines:
(dopamine
norepinephrine
epinephrine)
serotonin
histamine
LO2: what kind of molecules are neurotransmitters?
what are peptides?
short protein chains of 2-40 amino acids
LO2: what kind of molecules are neurotransmitters?
examples of peptide NTs:
B-endorphin
substance P
LO2: what kind of molecules are neurotransmitters?
examples of “unconventional” NTs (modulators):
gases like nitric (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO)
LO3: which steps are involved in the synthesis and release of “classical” NTs?
1) enzymes that synthesize the NTs are made in rough ER
2) enzymes sent to Golgi apparatus
3) enzymes are modified in Golgi apparatus
4) enzymes are transported along axon to nerve terminal by anterograde axonal transport
5) precursor needed for synthesis of NTs is taken up into the presynaptic nerve terminal mb –> NT is synthesized in presynaptic nerve terminal
6) NT is taken out of cytoplasm and into small vesicles by Vesicular MonoAmine Transporter (VMAT)
7) NT is released by exocytosis when appropriate stimulus comes
LO4: Describe the steps (including enzymes) in the biosynthesis of catecholamines. Which are the 2 major enzymes responsible for their catabolism.
what are all catecholamines derived from?
tyrosine
LO4: Describe the steps (including enzymes) in the biosynthesis of catecholamines. Which are the 2 major enzymes responsible for their catabolism.
what is the rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of catecholamines?
tyrosine hydroxylase
LO4: Describe the steps (including enzymes) in the biosynthesis of catecholamines. Which are the 2 major enzymes responsible for their catabolism.
describe the steps:
tyrosine –> DOPA –> dopamine –> norepinephrine –> adrenaline
LO4: Describe the steps (including enzymes) in the biosynthesis of catecholamines. Which are the 2 major enzymes responsible for their catabolism.
what are the 2 major enzymes responsible for catecholamine catabolism in the brain:
catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)
monoamine oxidase A (MAOa)
LO4: Describe the steps (including enzymes) in the biosynthesis of catecholamines. Which are the 2 major enzymes responsible for their catabolism.
how is epinephrine (adrenaline) synthesized?
epinephrine is synthesized from norepinephrine w/in the adrenal medulla, which are small glands associated w/ the kidneys
LO5: how does norepinephrine (NE) work in the synapse?
1) tyrosine is transported into the noradrenergic nerve terminal
2) dopamine (DA) is transported from cytoplasm into vesicle by vesicular mono amine transporter (VMAT)
3) DA is converted to NE in vesicle
4) AP causes influx of Ca2+ ions –> causes vesicles to fuse to mb surface and expel NE
involves SNAPS and VAMPS
5) NE released into nerve terminal can act on G protein-couple receptors (adrenoceptors)
6) NE can diffuse out of cleft or go back into nerve terminal by NE transporter (NET)
LO6: what type of receptors do NTs bind to?
2 types of receptors:
ionotropic receptors
metabotropic receptors