Lecture 4: NEUROMODULATORS Flashcards
Define Neuromodulation
A change in the state of a neuron or a group of neurons that alters its response to a subsequent stimulation
Neuromodulators commonly act on
the release of neurotransmitters from
the axon terminals/presynaptic neuron and/or postsynaptic receptors
2 type of Neuromodulation… techniques..
A: Point-to-point neurotransmission
vs
B: Neuromodulation and volumetric neurotransmission
A: Point-to-point neurotransmission
vs
B: Neuromodulation and volumteric neurotransmission
A:
- INHIBITORY
Presynaptic neuron = depolarisation
….
Postsynaptic neuron = hyperpolarisation
or
2. EXCITATORY Presynaptic neuron = depolarisation
….
Postsynaptic neuron = depolarisation
B: Look at slide 3
Most neuromodulators bind to….. and therefore….
Most neuromodulators bind to ‘GPCRs’ and therefore …
-act on a slower timescale relative to neurotransmitters that bind to ionotropic receptors
Most neuromodulators bind to GPCRs and therefore act on a slower timescale relative to neurotransmitters that bind to ionotropic receptors
Well known examples include 5
- acetylcholine,
- dopamine,
- serotonin,
- cannabinoids,
- nitric oxide
what do neurotransmitters and neuromodulators bind to? 2
- Many neurotransmitters and neuromodulators bind to ‘GPCRs’
- Some neurotransmitters and neuromodulators bind to:
“ ion channels (ionotropic) and GPCRs (metabotropic)”
NEUROMODULATORS:
EXPLAIN RECEPTORS AND STRUCTURAL FEATURES
CLASS A: rhodopsin family
Receptors:
1. LARGEST GROUP
2. RECEPTORS: for most AMINE NEUROTRANSMITTERS, many NEUROPEPTIDES, PURINES, PROSTANOIDS, CANNABINOIDS, etc.
STRUCTURAL FEATURES:
1. Short extracellular (N-terminal) tail
2. LIGAND binds to TRANSMEMBRANE HELICES (AMINES) OR to EXTRACELLULAR LOOPS (PEPTIDES)
NEUROMODULATORS:
EXPLAIN RECEPTORS AND STRUCTURAL FEATURES
CLASS B: secretin/glucagon receptor family.
RECEPTORS: for PEPTIDE HORMONES, including SECRETIN, GLUCAGON, CALCITONIN
STRUCTURAL FEATURES:
1. Intermediate Extracellular tail incorporating ligand-binding domian
NEUROMODULATORS:
EXPLAIN RECEPTORS AND STRUCTURAL FEATURES
CLASS C: metabotropic glutamate receptor/calcium sensor family
Receptors:
1. SMALL GROUP.
2. METABROTROPIC GLUTAMATE RECEPTORS
3. GABA (b) receptors
4. Ca+2 SENSING RECEPTORS
STRUCTURAL FEATURES:
1. LONG extracellular tail incorporating ligand-binding Domain
Explain the 2 Stages of Neuromodulators
- RESTING STATE
- G proteins coupled to receptors - Agonist bind to GPCR
- G proteins coupled to receptor separate and interact/bind with their targets
draw and label the 2 Stages of Neuromodulators
slide 6
What are the roles and characteristics of adenosine in the brain? = 5 and explain
- Sleep Regulation and Energy Metabolism:
Adenosine regulates sleep homeostasis and energy metabolism in neurons. - Neuromodulatory Function:
It acts as a powerful neuromodulator in cholinergic neurotransmission in the brain. - Metabolite of ATP Degradation:
Adenosine is a metabolite of intracellular ATP degradation, increasing during high periods of neuronal activity. - Production Mechanism:
ATPases in the membrane degrade released ATP to produce adenosine, which is not stored in vesicles. - Receptor Binding:
Adenosine binds to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), specifically AxARs, both pre- and postsynaptically, as well as on glia.
How does adenosine exert its neuromodulatory effects, specifically through A1 adenosine receptors (A1ARs), on cortical pyramidal neurons? = 3
- ‘Neuromodulatory Mechanism’ :
- A1 adenosine receptors (A1ARs) hyperpolarize cortical pyramidal neurons. - ‘Effect on Potassium Channels:’
- A1ARs increase the probability of potassium channel opening. - ‘Effect on Glutamate Release’ :
- They decrease the release of calcium-dependent glutamate by reducing the probability of calcium channel opening.
What is acetylcholine’s role as a neurotransmitter in the periphery? = 2
- Neuromuscular Junction:
- Acetylcholine (ACh) serves as the primary excitatory neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction in the periphery.
What role does acetylcholine play as a neuromodulator in the brain? = 2
- Cholinergic Neurotransmission:
- In the brain, acetylcholine acts as a powerful neuromodulator in cholinergic neurotransmission.
How does acetylcholine affect neurotransmitter release, and what factors influence its impact on neural activity? = 2
- Impact on Neurotransmitter Release:
- Acetylcholine tends to increase neurotransmitter release but can either promote or decrease neural activity depending on the system and the neuronal subtype it acts on.