Nervous System Health Flashcards
What is a neuronal cell?
Nerve cell – a neuron is the functional part of the nervous system.
What does a dendrite do?
Relays impulses to the cell body - afferent (inwards).
What is a cell body and what does it do?
It contains a nucleus or nucleoli - they generate action potentials after each stimuli.
What does and axon do?
Relays nerve impulse away from the cell body to either another neuronal cell, or an effector cell (efferent/outwoods) e.g. skeletal and cardiac muscles. Contains myelinated fibres.
Where is an axon terminal and what is its function?
Ends at synapse where NT are stored and released via calcium dependent activation.
What does the CNS use as its primary fuel?
Glucose.
Nerve signals travel via _____ ______
Action potentials.
Sate 3 ways in which NT’s can be interfered with.
- Synthesis of NT.
- Storage.
- Release.
- Degradation.
- Changes in number of NT.
- Affinity of receptors.
Dietary levels of what amino acid can effect serotonin (5-HT) production?
Tryptophan.
What 3 things can inhibit the re-uptake of serotonin (5-HT) from the synaptic cleft?
- Cocaine.
- SSRI’s.
- TCA’s (tricyclic antidepressants).
State 3 conditions serotoninergic imbalances are linked to.
- Mood disorders.
- Anxiety.
- Panic disorder.
- OCD.
- PTSD.
- Autism.
Are serotonin (5-HT) levels influenced by genetics?
Yes. Functional polymorphisms of 5HT transporter genes have been associated with depression and autism.
Where is serotonin (5-HT) synthesised?
In the CNS and enterochromaffin cells in the GIT.
What is Serotonin Syndrome?
A potentially fatal complication of treatment with SSRI’s. It can result if too high levels of serotonin are produced either as a result of medications which or interactions such as St Johns Wort taken with SSRI’s.
State 3 early symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome.
- Muscle cramps.
- Tics.
- Stiffness.
- Waking feeling hungover.
State 3 late symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome.
- Confusion.
- Agitation.
- Restlessness.
- Shivering.
- Fever.
- Tachycardia.
State 3 nutrients which are essential for the conversion of tryptophan to 5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan (5-HTP) via Tryptophan Hydroxylase.
- B3 (niacin).
- B9 (folate).
- Calcium.
- Iron.
State 3 nutrients which are essential for the conversion of 5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan (5-HTP) to serotonin (5-HT) via Aromatic Acid Decarboxylase.
- B6 (pyridoxine).
- Vitamin C.
- Zinc.
- Magnesium.
Tryptophan is found in all meats, state 3 plant based sources of it.
- Bananas.
- Nuts.
- Seeds.
- Soybeans.
5-HTP has been used as a therapy for depression etc. State a common side effect of taking 5-HTP?
GIT symptoms - enteric-coated tablets are recommended to increase absorption and minimise gastrointestinal side effects (St. Johns Wort can also cause).
State 3 actions of St. John’s Wort/Hypericum perforatum.
- Anti-depressant.
- Nervine.
- Anti-microbial.
- Anti-viral.
- Wound healing effects.
List 3 things that St. John’s Wort/Hypericum perforatum inhibits.
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO).
- Release of interleukin 6 - substance related to depression as it modulates the release of cortisol.
- Reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.
- Enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase.
State 3 pharmacological actions of saffron.
- Anti-depressant.
- Anti-convulsant.
- Anti-Alzheimer’s.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Anti-oxidant.
State 2 ways to raise serotonin in the brain by means other than diet and drugs.
- Positive thinking and outlook.
- Exposure to light.
- Exercising outdoors.
- Yoga and breathing.
GABA is the major inhibitory presynaptic neurotransmitter in the brain and retina. What is it made from and via which enzyme?
Glutamic acid.
Glutamic acid decarboxylase (which is pyridoxine dependent).
Excess Glutamate has been linked to neuronal injury and neurodegenerative diseases such as? State 3.
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- MS.
- Epilepsy.
- Bipolar.
- Migraine.
- Schizophrenia.
State 3 signs and symptoms of a GABA deficiency.
- Anxiety.
- Alcohol craving.
- Seizures.
- Insomnia.
- Palpitations.
- Ringing in the ears.
What nutrient is essential in turning L-Glutamine into Glutamate via Glutaminase?
Magnesium.
What 3 nutrients are essential in turning Glutamate to GABA via Acylase Glutamate Decarboxylase?
- Vitamin C.
- Magnesium.
- Zinc.
- B6 (pyridoxine).
What are the 3 principal catecholamines?
- Noradrenalin.
- Adrenaline.
- Dopamine (a NT in the SNS).
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in what ‘side’ of the NS?
Sympathetic.
Dopamine is a NT but also acts as what and how?
A hormone - released by hypothalamus to inhibit the
release of prolactin (milk hormone) by the pituitary.
ADHD, schizophrenia, Tourette’s and autism has been linked to dysregulation of what NT?
Dopamine.
State 3 things Dopamine controls.
- Learning.
- Curiosity.
- Reward-seeking behaviour.
- Emotion.
- Linked to addiction.
Dopamine is synthesised from ______, with the rate
limiting enzyme ________ ________..
Tyrosine.
Tyrosine hydroxylase.
State 2 symptoms dopamine depletion produces, which are both characteristic of Parkinsons disease.
- Rigidity.
- Tremors.
- Bradykinesia (slowness of movement).
What is L-dopa?
A precursor to dopamine - drug used in the
treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It crosses the BBB and readily converts to dopamine in the brain cells.
Why is B6 contraindicated to patients on L-dopa?
It converts it to Dopamine which does not cross
the BBB and therefore loses its effect.
State 3 nutrients essential for the synthesis of dopamine?
- B1 (thiamine).
- B3 (niacin).
- B6 (pyridoxine).
- Iron.
State the amino acid precurser of GABA.
Glutamine.
Both ______and _____have a yinyang relationship in functioning.
Glutamate and GABA.
_______ is a major excitatory NT of the CNS and plays a roll in learning and memory.
Glutamate (glutamic acid).
What is GABA’s function? State 3.
- Sleep.
- Relaxation.
- Alpha State (state of wakeful relaxation).
What is neuroplasticity?
The constant repair and remodelling process that
happens in the brain over our lives.
Several research studies have shown that neuroplasticity can be induced by what? State 3.
- Meditation.
- Exercise.
- Lowering cortisol.
- Motor rehabilitation.
What 2 books are used for diagnosing mental health conditions on a behavioural basis?
DSM-V (America).
ICD11 (WHO/Europe).
State 3 symptoms of depression.
- Low mood.
- Anhedonia (reduced ability to experience
pleasure from natural rewards). - Irritability.
- Difficulties in concentrating.
- Abnormalities in appetite and sleep.
State 3 biological contributers to the development of depression.
- Genetic susceptibility.
- Neurologic illnesses.
- Exposure to certain pharmacologic agents and drugs (cocaine etc).
- Chronic pain.
- Damaging effect of cortisol.
Studies suggest that people with depression show a disturbance in what 3 NT’s?
- Serotonin (tryptophan depletion).
- Norepinephrine.
- Dopamine.
In depression, the hippocampus and
prefrontal cortex has been shown to be
smaller, what is a suggested reason for this?
The damage that cortisol causes to these parts of the brain. Depression is normally characterised with high cortisol levels.
State 2 neurological implications of HPA axis dysfunction.
- Brain insulin resistance.
- Reduced serotonin activity.
- Reduced BDNF and resultant hippocampal atrophy.
State 2 clinical implications of HPA axis dysfunction.
- Excessive release of free fatty acids.
- Insulin resistance.
- Increased platelet aggregation.
What is the ‘wash out period’ in relation to anti-depressants?
Antidepressant effects can still linger in the system 2 weeks after discontinuation, caution introducing new nutrients, drugs or dietary changes.
Why dooes a person taking MAOI’s need to eat a low tyramine diet?
MAOI’s block monoamine oxidase - an enzyme that breaks down excess tyramine. Excess levels can result in dangerously high blood pressure.
State 3 high tyramine foods? When should these be avoided?
- Mature cheese.
- Avocado.
- Marmite.
Avoid when taking MAOI’s.
State 3 hypothetical aims for working with a client with depression.
- Reduce inflammation to improve digestive function.
- Improve insulin sensitivity by balancing blood sugar to normalise cortisol.
- Normalise HPA function.
- Investigate phase 2 liver detoxification pathways and antioxidant levels.
Folate, B12 and SAMe all function as what? Why is it relevant to NT’s?
Methyl donors - SAMe is the major one and it relies on folate and B12.
Methylation is needed for NT synthesis.
Synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine depends on adequate methylation of what? And what is this dependent on?
BH4.
SAMe.
BH4 production depends on what 3 things? Patients with recurrent depression have been shown to have reduced BH4 synthesis (probably due to low SAMe so supplementation with these 3 things may help.
- Folate.
- Vitamin C.
- B12.
What effect can eating a diet fish in omega-3 oils and EFA’s have on depression?
Diets rich in fish = lower depressive rates.
Dietary fatty acids = fluid phospholipid composition of neuronal membranes.
Brain = richest source of phospholipids.
Neuronal function depends on membrane fluidity.
State 3 dietary sources of both tryptophan and tyrosine.
- Almond milk.
- Eggs.
- Beans.
- Salmon.
Define bipolar depression.
Bipolar depression is characterised by periods of major depression alternating with elevated mood.
State 3 symptoms of mania.
- Excessive self-esteem or grandiosity.
- Reduced need for sleep.
- Extreme talkativeness.
- Extremely rapid flight of thoughts.
Define epilepsy.
A general term for approx 30 chronic disorders of
the brain’s electrical balance. Manifests as severe
convulsions (seizures) that invoke rapid jerking of the body’s limbs.
What diet is an effective therapy for pharmaco-resistant epilepsy?
Ketogenic - more than half of the patients show greater than 50% reduction in seizures.
What 3 specific nutrients should we consider when working with someone with epilepsy?
- Taurine - acts as a modulator of membrane excitability in the CNS.
- Magnesium - severe depletion can cause seizures.
- B6 - low levels = seizures in rats.
Why might a glass of warm milk before bed be beneficial for someone with insomnia?
It contains tryptophan which is a precursor for serotonin which helps initiate sleep cycle via melatonin production.
What are the two major mediators of the symptoms of anxiety n the CNS?
Nor-adrenaline and serotonin.
Anxiety is due to _______ nervous system dominance.
Sympathetic.
What particular amino acid could be of benefit for someone suffering with anxiety and where can it be found?
L-theanine - found in the tea family.
It possesses neuroprotective, mood-enhancing, and relaxation properties.
State 3 symptoms of Schizophrenia.
- Disturbances in thoughts.
- Disturbances in perception.
- Disturbances in relationships.
- Auditory hallucinations and delusions.
- False beliefs.
State a risk factor for Schizophrenia related to pregnancy.
Women who are malnourished or have certain viral illnesses (potentially linked to flu) during their pregnancy = greater risk of child developing schizophrenia.
Abnormalities of the ________ system are thought to exist in schizophrenia.
Dopaminergic.
Schizophrenia treated with anti-psychotics which lower dopamine (risk Parkinsons etc).
Why should we consider a gluten free diet for someone with schizophrenia?
Leaky gut can increase risk of BBB permeability and IL-2 levels which can increase paranoia and hallucinations.
State 2 things we can do to support someone detoxing from drugs?
- Support phase 1 and 2 liver detoxification.
2. Support stable energy production to prevent cravings.
