Main Classes of NT Flashcards
what are the main classes of NTs
amino acids, acetylcholine, monoamines, adenosine and ATP
Examples of amino acids that are NTs
glutamate, glycine, GABA
Structure of amino acid
amine group, carboxyl group and side chain. R group= the side chain
Acetylcholine is…
excitatory NT at the neuromuscular junction and autonomic NS
What does acetylcholine have functions in?
the modulation of arousal, sleep-wake cycles and memory formation
What does acetylcholine form?
a diffuse modulatory system throughout the basal forebrain and brain stem
What are monoamines?
they are modulatory NTs (don’t act on ion channels) and are derived from aromatic amino acids
What are the two types of monoamines?
Catecholamines and tryptamines
Examples of NTs that are catecholamines
dopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline
Example of a NT that is a tryptamine
serotonin
what is the role of monoamine NTs (c.f. acetylcholine)
they form diffuse modulatory networks throughout the cortex and brain stem
What do monoamines have functions in?
mood and cognition. they’re important in higher functions of the brain as well as basal functions
histamine=
NT- another type of monoamine produced from a-a Histidine
histamine acting via H1 receptors is…
a positive modulator throughout the brain
histamine acting via H3 receptors…
negatively modulates other synapses
