Lecture 20 - Neurotransmitters Integrated Neuropsych

Question 1

How does Essential Tremor differ from Resting Tremor, and which brain structure is associated with Essential Tremor?

Answer 1

Essential tremor occurs when initiating movements, not at rest, and it is associated with Cerebellar issues.

Question 2

In Parkinson’s Disease, Alpha-______ accumulates within the cell bodies of Dopaminergic neurons in the Pars ______ of the Dubstantia Nigra. These intracellular accumulations are termed _____ bodies –> leads to cell death

Answer 2

Alpha-synuclein

Pars Compacta

Lewy bodies

Question 3

Why is Carbidopa given with Levodopa (L-DOPA) for Parkinson’s treatment?

Answer 3

Carbidopa is an inhibitor of Aromatic Amino Acid Decarboxylase (so it’s an AAADI) –> this decreases the Peripheral (remember Carbidopa doesn’t cross the BBB) conversion of L-DOPA to Dopamine –> avoids Dopaminergic side effects.

Question 4

Excess DA in the Mesolimbic tract is associated with _____ (positive or negative) symptoms, while the Nigrostriatal (motor) and Mesocortical (cognitive) tracts are both associated with ______ symptoms.

Answer 4

Positive

Negative

Remember that Positive means presence of something abnormal, while Negative means absence of something normal.

Question 5

Haloperidol is a D2 receptor _______ (agonist or antagonist?) used to treat Schizophrenia (excess DA in the Mesolimbic tract). If it acts on the Tubuloinfundibular tract, what results?

Answer 5

Antagonist

If it acts in the Tubuloinfundibular tract, it would increase DA –> increase Prolactin –> may cause gynecomastia and/or impotence in Men.

Question 6

Serotonin has an ______ (stimulatory or Inhibitory?) effect on DA, and DA has the same effect on Serotonin.

Answer 6

Inhibitory