Neurotransmitters Flashcards
Glutamate
Synthesized/Stored
created in most neurons and glial cells
Glutamate
Where does it function
found all over CNS
Glutamate
What are the functions
- involved in every major excitatory brain function
- learning and memory
- synaptic plasticity
Glutamate
What is the post-synaptic effect?
excitatory
Glutamate
What receptors does it bind with
mostly ionotropic
- AMPA, NMDA, Kainate receptors
metabotropic
- modulate glutamate release
- affect postsynaptic excitability
ACh
synthesized/stored
synthesized in presynaptic terminals of spinal cord, thalamus, cerebellum, and brainstem
ACh
functions?
- important role at neuromuscular junctions to elicit muscle contraction
- wakefulness, attentiveness, anger, sexuality
ACh
receptors?
Ionotropic: nicotinic receptors (excitatory)
Metabotropic: muscarinic receptors (excitatory or inhibitory)
GABA
where is it synthesized/stored
synthesized in cytoplasm of presynaptic neuron from glutamate precursor
GABA
where does it function
Main Targets located in cortex, thalamus, brain stem, and posterior hypothalamus
GABA
function?
Motor control, vision, alertness, anxiety
Inhibits motor, sensory, and cognitive neurons -> sedation,
muscular/cardiorespiratory relaxation, pain inhibition
GABA
post-synaptic effect
inhibitory
GABA
receptors
Ionotropic: GABAA receptor
Metabotropic: GABAB receptor
GABA
agonist
sedatives
Glycine
where is it synthesized/stored
synthesized from serine (amino acid)
found in proteins in the brainstem and spinal cord
Glycine
where does it function
Main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the spinal cord
Glycine
functions?
- Inhibits spinal interneurons
- Helps prevent the breakdown of muscle
- Necessary for a healthy digestive system
- Protects kidneys from harmful side effects of drugs
Glycine
post-synaptic effect
inhibitory
Glycine
receptor
ionotropic only
- selectively permeable to Cl- which causes the neuron to hyperpolarize
Dopamine
synthesized/stored
Synthesized from AA tyrosine via enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase into l-dopa. l-dopa is then metabolised into dopamine
Mid-brain
Dopamine
functions?
movements, initiative, working memory
Dopamine
post-synaptic effect
excitatory and inhibitory
Dopamine
receptors
metabatropic only
Dopamine
where does it function
mid-brain
Epinephrine
where is it synthesized/stored
- produced in adrenal glands
- stored in adrenal medulla
Epinephrine
what are the functions
when epi is released: increase in HR, BP, muscle strength, and sugar metabolism.
‘fight or flight”
Epinephrine
post-synaptic effect
excitatory
Epinephrine
receptors
Metabotropic only
- Adrenergic
Epinephrine
where does it function
peripherally
Epinephrine
antagonists
propanolol (BP med)
Epinephrine
antagonists
propanolol (BP med)
Norepinephrine
where is it synthesized/stored
synthesized from dopamine in the adnreal gland
Norepinephrine
where does it function
Primarily found in cortex: locus ceruleus (pons), medulla and ANS: sympathetic neurons
Norepinephrine
functions?
- active surveillance
- sleep/wake cycle
- fight or flight
- attention and focus
- memory storage
- emotional control
Norepinephrine
post-synaptic effect
excitatory
Norepinephrine
receptors
Metabotropic only
𝛼1,𝛼2 and 𝛽 receptors
Norepinephrine
agonists
Epinephrine
Amphetamines
Tricyclic antidepressions
Norepinephrine
antagonists
b blockers
Serotonin (5-HT)
where is it synthesized/stored
produced in raphe nuceli
AND
enterochromaffin cells in GI tract
stored: in synaptic vesicles and platelets
Serotonin (5-HT)
functions?
stabilizes mood, controls bowel movements, responsible for sleep, can cause nausea, help wound healing, and impacts bone health
Serotonin (5-HT)
post-synaptic effect
inhibitory
Serotonin (5-HT)
receptors
Ionotropic: 5-HT3 receptor (excitatory)
Metabotropic: 5-HT1-7 receptors (excitatory or inhibitory)
Serotonin (5-HT)
agonist
lsd
Serotonin (5-HT)
antagonist
SSRI
Histamine
where is it synthesized/stored
secrete in hypothalamus
stored in hypothalamus and midbrain
Histamine
where does it function
mostly outside of the nervous system
Histamine
what are the functions
- alertness
- immune and inflammatory responce to allergens
- contraction of smooth muscle
- vasodilator
Histamine
post-synaptic effect
excitatory
Histamine
receptors
metabotropic only
Histamine
antagonist
benadryl
