Mod6-Obj5: Neurotransmitters

Question 1

Neurotransmitters

Answer 1

• NTs (and electrical signals)!language of the nervous system
• Released from presynaptic neurons

Question 2

Types of neurotransmitters

Answer 2

-Acetylcholine
-Biogenic amines (monoamines)
◦ NA, dopamine, serotonin (5-HT), histamine
-Amino acids
◦ GABA, glutamate, glycine, aspartate
-Neuropeptides
◦ Substance P, endorphins

Question 3

Acetylcholine

Answer 3

• Motor controls outside -CNS
• Within CNS
• Cerebral cortex
• Hippocampus, brainstem
• Cognition, memory
• consciousness

Question 4

Alzheimer’s patients have low levels of…

Answer 4

ACh

Question 5

Biogenic amines (monoamines)

Answer 5

• Emotional behaviour
• Regulate biological clock
• Imbalances associated with metal illness

Question 6

Biogenic amines (monoamines)
-Noradrenalin

Answer 6

◦ “feel good” NT
◦ Involved in stress and attention
◦ Low levels!depression
◦ Release enhanced by amphetamines

Question 7

Biogenic amines (monoamines)
-Dopamine

Answer 7

◦ “feel good NT”
◦ Motivation-for-reward-balance
◦ Release enhanced by amphetamines (reuptake blocked by cocaine)
◦ High levels lead to schizophrenia
◦ Deficiency leads to Parkinson’s disease

Question 8

Biogenic amines (monoamines)
-Serotonin (5-HT)

Answer 8

◦ Mood regulation, sleep, appetite, sexual desire/function ◦ Blocking reuptake relieves anxiety and depression
◦ Activity blocked by LSD, enhanced by ecstasy
◦ Deficiency leads to depression

Question 9

Amino acids: GABA

Answer 9

◦  Main inhibitory NT in brain
◦  Helps regulate sleep/wakefulness
◦  Involved in motor control, spasticity
◦  Inhibitory effects increased by alcohol and barbiturates
◦  GABA blockers induce convulsions

Question 10

Amino acids: Glutamate

Answer 10

◦ Learning and memory

◦ Excessive release leads to excitotoxicity

Question 11

Neuropeptides: Substance P

Answer 11

◦ Associated with
tissue damage
◦ Mediates pain transmission from PNS to CNS

Question 12

Neuropeptides: Endorphins, enkephalins

Answer 12

◦ natural opiates
◦ Effects mimicked by morphine and heroin (agonists)
◦ Inhibits perception of pain which blocks substance P