Neuromodulation

Question 1

Neuromodulation

Answer 1

• synaptic efficacy between two neurons is either enhanced or decreased via the action of a neuromodulator

Question 2

Synaptic Efficacy

Answer 2

• strength of communication between neurons
  presynaptic - altering number of neurotransmitters released
  postsynaptic - altering receptor sensitivity

Question 3

Neuromodulators

(3)

Answer 3

• are some neurotransmitters
• can be excitatory and inhibitory
• not point-to-point or fast

Question 4

Ionotropic Receptors

(3)

Answer 4

• type of receptors that glutamate and GABA bind to
• faster than metabotropic because they allow charges to pass through membrane directly
• has direct effect on postsynaptic neuron’s excitation/inhibition

Question 5

Metabotropic Receptors (GPCR)

(3)

Answer 5

• type of receptors that neuromodulators bind to
• slower than ionotropic receptors
• generate new molecules called second messengers which cause change in synaptic efficacy

G-protein-coupled receptors

Question 6

Dopamine

(3)

Answer 6

• found in substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area (VTA) in midbrain
• all dopamine receptors are metabotropic
• responsible for regulating movement and reward motivated behaviour

Question 7

Serotonin

(3)

Answer 7

• released in the dorsal raphe nucles in brain stem
• most serotonin receptors are metabotropic
• responsible for mood, appetite, memory, sleep and attention