Neurons: synaptic transmission

Question 1

synaptic transmission in excitatory synapses

Answer 1

DEpolarisation of postsynaptic membrane called the excitatory postsynaptic potential
glutamate or acetylcholine

Question 2

synaptic transmission in inhibitory synapses

Answer 2

HYPERpolarisation of postsynaptic membrane called the inhibitory postsynaptic potential
GABA or glycine

Question 3

classes of neurotransmitter systems in CNS

Answer 3

small molecule: larger, direct, and fast
- amines
- amino acids
- acetylcholine
neuropeptides (neuromodulators: slow, diffuse, indirect, modulatory action on effects of other neurotransmitters

Question 4

excitotoxicity

Answer 4

increased release of neurotransmitters
- example glutamate
- leads to incrased Ca2+ accumulation
- activate enzymes that kills cell

Question 5

long term potentiation (LTP)

Answer 5

if you stimulate a neuron multiple time repeatedly, the number of receptors on the postsynaptic neuron will increase - so less stimulation for a larger response in subsequent experiences

Question 6

long term depression (LTD)

Answer 6

is you stimulate a certain neuron repeatedly over time, it will decrease the number of receptors - subsequent experiences require greater stimulation for the same response

Question 7

neurotransmitter inactivation (and recovery)

Answer 7

• diffusion away from synapse
• enzymatic degradation in synaptic cleft
• re-uptake for most amino acids and amines (recycling where transmitter transporters in presynaptic membrane, take the transmitters back in)