Module 19 Flashcards
What are the effects of neurotransmitters?
Can be excitatory or inhibitory DEPENDS on the receptor protein
Bonds with more than ONE receptor type
What are enzymes?
Proteins that induce chemical changes
Name the two classes of neurotransmitters
Small molecules
Large molecules
What do the small molecule transmitters do?
Short-lasting effects
Act DIRECTLY on post-synaptic membrane to (change permeability) initiate new APs
What are the common small molecule transmitters?
Norepinephrine
Dopamine
Serotonin
Glutamate
GABA
Why are large molecule transmitters important?
Important for pain management (I.e morphine)
ALSO contain small molecule neurotransmitters in their synaptic vesicles
What do large molecules neurotransmitters do?
Act as neuromodulaters (modify neural activity)
Long lasting effects on post-synaptic neurons
Slow ONSET but longer duration responses
What is the role of acetylcholine?
Regulates forebrain activity
Inhibits BG activity
Cholinergic pathway- active in cognition and memory
What type of neurons are Acetylcholine?
Cholinergic neurons
Which neurotransmitters is the primary PNS?
Acetylcholine
How are the acetylcholine released? What does it control?
Myoneural junctions
Alpha motor neurons(spinal/cranial nerves)
Role: control voluntary movements
What is myasthenia gravis MG?
Disorder of myoneural junction
Not enough ACh at junction
Where is dopamine found?
In substantia nigra
Name the 2 systems of dopamine
Mesostriatal (midbrain/striatum)
Mesocortocal (midbrain/cortex)
What is the motor role of dopamine? What happens if you lose dopamine?
Role is to regulate motor function
LOSS: Parkinson’s disease
What is the cognitive role of dopamine?
Important for memory
Cognitive function and motivation
Cocaine is a type of dopamine enhancing drug
What does drug treatment do?
Modifies neurotransmitter by
Blocking effect of transmitter
Simulate actions of transmitter
What is the role of norepinephrine?
Generation of REM sleep (vigilance/attention)
Treats depression!!
What three things are the serotonin concerned with?
Level of arousal
Slow wave sleep
Pain control
What is the effect of low levels of serotonin?
Depression
PROZAc ( anti-depressant drugs) enhance serotonin
Norepinephrine treats depression!
What is the GABA transmitter?
Major inhibitory transmitter in CNS
Which diseases are associated the GABA?
Huntington’s chorea
Epilepsy
Anxiety disorders
Which drugs help to increase GABA levels?
Anti-anxiety medicines (Librium/Valium)
What is glutamate?
Most excitatory transmitter in CNS
