Neurotransmitter

Question 1

What are neurotransmitters?

Answer 1

Endogenous chemicals released by neurons at presynaptic to postsynaptic neurons or target cells.

Question 2

What is the role of neuromodulators?

Answer 2

Assist neuron transmission.

Question 3

What do neurotrophic factors support?

Answer 3

Support growth of neurons.

Question 4

What cells produce neurotrophic factors?

Answer 4

Produced by neurons and glial cells.

Question 5

What is BDNF?

Answer 5

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Question 6

What are examples of neurohormones?

Answer 6

• Oxytocin
• Vasopressin
• GnRH
• FSH

Question 7

What are the criteria for a substance to be considered a neurotransmitter?

Answer 7

• Synthesis within neurons
• Found within neurons
• Released when neurons are activated
• Act on postsynaptic receptors
• Inactivated by reuptake or enzymes

Question 8

What is the life cycle of a neurotransmitter?

Answer 8

• NT synthesis
• Storage in vesicles
• Release
• Binding to receptors
• Inactivation

Question 9

What triggers neurotransmitter release?

Answer 9

Action potential arriving at the nerve terminal.

Question 10

What role do voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels play in neurotransmitter release?

Answer 10

Opening of channels leads to neurotransmitter release.

Question 11

What is the function of reuptake transporters?

Answer 11

Regulate neurotransmitter levels.

Question 12

What are autoreceptors?

Answer 12

Receptors activated by neurotransmitters released by the neurons themselves.

Question 13

What are heteroreceptors?

Answer 13

Receptors activated by neurotransmitters released by surrounding neurons.

Question 14

What is retrograde neurotransmission?

Answer 14

Neurotransmitter binding to receptors in reverse pattern

Question 15

What are the molecular targets of neuropharmacological drugs?

Answer 15

• Ligand-gated ion channels
• G protein-coupled receptors

Question 16

What is the function of ligand-gated ion channels?

Answer 16

Allow ions to flow through the membrane upon binding of a neurotransmitter.

Question 17

What are the two types of ligand-gated ion channels?

Answer 17

• Cation channels (e.g., NMDA receptor)
• Anion channels (e.g., GABA-A receptor)

Question 18

What is cyclic AMP (cAMP)?

Answer 18

A secondary messenger involved in signal transduction.

Question 19

What does the term ‘pharmacological approach’ refer to?

Answer 19

Strategies to address abnormal neuron firing or neurotransmitter levels.

Question 20

What is the difference between antagonists and agonists?

Answer 20

Antagonists inhibit receptor activity, while agonists activate receptors.

Question 21

What are the mechanisms for terminating neurotransmitter action?

Answer 21

• inhibit Reuptake transporters
• Degradation enzymes

Question 22

Fill in the blank: Neurotransmitter synthesis occurs within _______.

Answer 22

neurons.

Question 25

What is an action potential?

Answer 25

A rapid rise and fall in membrane potential that occurs when a neuron is activated.

Question 26

What is the role of a synthesis enzyme?

Answer 26

Catalyzes the formation of neurotransmitters.

Question 27

What is the function of a transporter at a storage vesicle?

Answer 27

Facilitates the movement of neurotransmitters into storage vesicles.

Question 28

Define metabolism in the context of neurotransmitter function.

Answer 28

The process by which neurotransmitters are synthesized, stored, and degraded.

Question 29

What does NT release refer to?

Answer 29

The process by which neurotransmitters are expelled from a neuron into the synaptic cleft.

Question 30

What is the role of a reuptake transporter?

Answer 30

Recaptures neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic neuron.

Question 31

What is the role of a degradation enzyme?

Answer 31

Breaks down neurotransmitters into inactive metabolites.

Question 32

What does local anesthetics do?

Answer 32

inhibit Membrane potential by binding to sodium channels.

Question 33

True or False: Tetrodotoxin affects voltage-dependent sodium channels.

Answer 33

True.

Question 34

What is the effect of batracotoxin on neurons?

Answer 34

Overexcites neurons by opening voltage-dependent sodium channels.

Question 35

What is the function of Resperpine?

Answer 35

Inhibits vesicular storage of amine neurotransmitters.

Question 36

Fill in the blank: L-dopa is a precursor of _______.

Answer 36

Dopamine.

Question 37

What is the precursor of serotonin (5-HT)?

Answer 37

Tryptophan.

Question 38

List the mechanisms of action of amphetamine.

Answer 38

* Inhibits vesicle * Reversal of transporter * Inhibits degradation enzyme.

Question 39

What drug is used to treat Parkinson's disease by affecting dopamine?

Answer 39

Amantadine.

Question 40

What does botulinum toxin do at the neuromuscular junction?

Answer 40

Inhibits acetylcholine release.

Question 41

What are the indications for Botulinum Toxin A?

Answer 41

* Dystonia * Cerebral palsy * Strabismus * Blepharospasm * Hyperhidrosis * Urinary incontinence * Cosmetic uses.

Question 42

What is the mechanism of action of Botulinum Toxin?

Answer 42

Causes degradation of SNARE proteins, inhibiting vesicle fusion.

Question 43

What type of drugs act on neurotransmitter receptors?

Answer 43

Antipsychotics, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, anxiolytics.

Question 44

What is the action of TCAs on neurotransmitter transporters?

Answer 44

Inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin.

Question 45

What type of neurotransmitter is glutamate?

Answer 45

Excitatory amino acid.

Question 46

What are the types of neuropeptides?

Answer 46

* Opioid * CGRP * Substance P * Neurokinin * Neuropeptide * Orexin.

Question 47

What are the main categories of neurotransmitters?

Answer 47

* Amino acids * Neuropeptides * Amines * Miscellaneous.

Question 48

What is the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS?

Answer 48

Glutamate.

Question 49

Fill in the blank: mGluR refers to _______.

Answer 49

Metabotropic glutamate receptors.

Question 50

What is excitotoxicity?

Answer 50

Neuronal death due to overactivation of glutamate receptors.

Question 51

True or False: No drug is approved to terminate mGluR activity.

Answer 51

True.