Neurotransmission Flashcards
The essence of neurotransmission
Ongoing communication between neurons via neurotransmitters.
Electrical signals between neurons is possible due to…
Uneven distribution of charged ions inside versus outside the neuron.
Ion channels can be opened by:
- Binding of neurotransmitters
- Phosphorylation
- Changes in voltage
- mechanical stimuli
Two crucial factors for ion-exchange:
- Differences in ion concentrations
2. Differences in electrical charges
Concentration gradients are maintained by:
Energy-dependent ion pumps
A key role for the induction of a depolarisation is…
The sodium channel
How does aging effect learning and memory performance ?
Aging has serious consequences for the after hyperpolarisation of neurons. A large after-hyperpolarization reduces the activation of the nerve cell.
Two types of signal transduction:
- Electrical (electrotonic ‘synapses’ or gap juctions). Fast, but difficult to modulate. Relatively abundant in neurons that serve the same function.
- Chemical (Chemical synapses). Slower, but much bettter to modulate and to adjust.
An important function of gap-junctions:
The transport/exchange of ATP between the cells
Symmetrical synapses
Inhibitory
Asymmetrical synapses
Excitatory
The function of the protein synapsine
The protein is used to connected the vesicles to the cytoskelet. Calcium is needed to free the vesicles
Clatherine coating
Used to label the vesicles
