Neuroscience

Question 1

A substance released from presynaptic nerve terminals which produces rapid inhibitory or excitatory effects on postsynaptic cell

Answer 1

Neurotransmitter

Question 2

A substance which acts at some distance from its site of release, and/or has long lasting effects, and/or is released by glia

Answer 2

Neuromodulator

Question 3

A type of neuromodulator comprised of a short string of amino acids

Answer 3

Neuropeptide

Question 4

A substance which promotes neuronal differentiation and survival

Answer 4

Neurotrophic factor

Question 5

The two amino acid neurotransmitters are….

Answer 5

Glutamate and GABA

Question 6

The three monoamine neurotransmitters are…

Answer 6

Dopamine, Serotonin ad Noradrenaline

Question 7

The other amine neurotransmitter is…

Answer 7

Acetylcholine

Question 8

The major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, synthesised throughout the brain. It generally causes neurons to hyperpolarise.

Answer 8

GABA

Question 9

The major excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS, synthesised throughout the brain. It generally causes neurons to depolarise.

Answer 9

Glutamate

Question 10

Catecholamine synthesis pathway

Answer 10

Tyrosine -> Levodopa -> Dopamine -> Noradrenaline

Question 11

Serotonin synthesis pathway

Answer 11

Tryptophan -> 5-Hydroxytryptophan -> 5-Hydroxytryptamine

Question 12

Enzymes that degrade monoamines

Answer 12

COMT is only involved in the degradation of catecholamines.
Monoamine oxidase A degrades all 3 monoamines
Monoamine oxidase B only degrades dopamine (sometimes targeted in treatment for Parkinsons)

Question 13

Increases the availability of dopamine precursor

Answer 13

Levodopa

Question 14

Irreversibly inhibits monoamine oxidase B and inhibits degradation of dopamine only

Answer 14

Selegiline

Question 15

Irreversibly inhibits a key enzyme for the degradation of Noradrenaline, Serotonin and Dopamine

Answer 15

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) (Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine)