Neurotransmitters

Question 1

What is a neurotransmitter ?

Answer 1

4 criteria :

• Synthesis
• Storage
• Release
• Inactivation

Question 2

Synthesis

Answer 2

The NT must be made in the pre-synaptic neuron

Question 3

Storage

Answer 3

The NT must be stored presynaptically

Question 4

Release

Answer 4

The NT must be released on demand

Question 5

Inactivation

Answer 5

The NT must be inactivated

Question 6

Inactivation of Neurotransmitters

Answer 6

Reuptake
Enzymal inactviation
Diffusion

Question 7

Receptor types

Answer 7

Ionotropic
Metabotropic

Question 8

Main neurotransmitters classified by structure

Answer 8

Amino acids
Biogenic Amines
Peptides

Question 9

Amino acids

Answer 9

Glutamate
GABA
Glycine

Question 10

Biogenic Amines

Answer 10

Catecholamines
Noradrenaline
Adrenaline
Dopamine
Serotonin

Question 11

Peptides

Answer 11

Encephalin
Endorphin
Dynorphin

Question 12

Primary excitatory NT in CNS

Answer 12

Glutamate
Involved in memory, learning and cell death
Ionotropic receptor

Question 13

Primary inhibitory NT in CNS

Answer 13

GABA
Acts via ligand gated chloride channels

Question 14

Glycine

Answer 14

Primary inhibitory NT in spinal cord and brainstem

Question 15

Synaptic plasticity

Answer 15

Process by which synapses are strengthened or weakened by feedback mechanisms.

Question 16

Epilepsy

Answer 16

Excess excitation causes a feedback loop

Question 17

How are GABA proteins inactivated ?

Answer 17

By presynaptic uptake

Question 18

Tetanus

Answer 18

Clostridium tetani
Inhibits release of glycine

Question 19

How is tetanus treated ?

Answer 19

Anti-toxins and benzodiazepines

Question 20

Where are catecholamines synthesised ?

Answer 20

In the bouton and inactivated principally by re-uptake

Question 21

Parkinsons

Answer 21

Depleted dopamine in motor co-ordination circuits

Question 22

Schizophrenia

Answer 22

Over production of dopamine
Treatment with antipsychotics

Question 23

Serotonin

Answer 23

Large family of excitatory and inhibitory receptors in CNS and PNS.

Modulates a range of NTs, e.g. glutamate, GABA, dopamine

Question 24

Effects of serotonin

Answer 24

Depression
OCD
Some drugs of abuse

Question 25

Peptides

Answer 25

Made in cell body, transported to the bouton

Question 26

Endorphins and encephalins

Answer 26

Pain
Emotional perception

Question 27

Alzheimers disease

Answer 27

Dysfunction of ACh in CNS

Question 28

Nicotine

Answer 28

Acts on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in CNS and PNS

Question 29

Function of anticholineesterases

Answer 29

Prevent the breakdown of ACh; prolongs its activity
Can be therapeutic e.g. Alzheimers
Also toxic ; insecticides; nerve gasses