Neurotransmitters Flashcards
What are neurotransmitters?
Chemical substances that transmit information between neurons
They are categorized as conventional or unconventional.
What are the two categories of neurotransmitters?
Conventional and unconventional
Each category has distinct characteristics and functions.
Where are conventional neurotransmitters stored?
In synaptic vesicles at the presynaptic terminal
They are released in response to a presynaptic action potential.
How are conventional neurotransmitters activated?
By a presynaptic action potential
This triggers their release to activate postsynaptic receptors.
What is synthesized in the axon terminal?
Small-molecule neurotransmitters
They are part of the conventional neurotransmitter category.
Where are neuropeptides synthesized?
In the cell body
They are larger than small-molecule neurotransmitters.
Name two examples of neuropeptides.
- Enkephalin
- Endorphin
These are endogenous opioids with analgesic and euphoric effects.
What characterizes unconventional neurotransmitters?
Not stored in synaptic vesicles and synthesized on demand
They are released from various places in the neuron.
What do endocannabinoids bind to?
Cannabinoid receptors
These receptors respond to THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.
What system do endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors comprise?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS)
ECS helps maintain the body’s homeostasis and is involved in various functions.
What functions does the endocannabinoid system (ECS) involve?
- Immune functions
- Brain’s reward functions
ECS plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health.
What is anandamide often referred to as?
The ‘bliss molecule’
It plays a role in pain, emotions, memory, appetite, and sleep.
Fill in the blank: Anandamide is involved in the rewarding and _______ effects of various drugs of abuse.
addictive
It contributes to the psychoactive effects of substances.
What are the functions of dopamine?
Dopamine serves both excitatory and inhibitory functions and contributes to:
* Movement
* Personality
* Mood
* Sleep
* Motivation
* Reward
Dopamine is crucial for various brain functions and behaviors.
In which pathway is dopamine released during pleasurable activities?
Dopamine is released in the mesolimbic pathway, known as the brain’s ‘reward circuit’.
This pathway plays a critical role in reinforcing behaviors.
What substances are linked to elevated activity in the mesolimbic pathway?
Elevated levels of activity in the mesolimbic pathway are responsible for the reinforcing effects of:
* Alcohol
* Psychostimulants
* Opiates
* Other drugs that increase levels of dopamine
These substances can lead to addictive behaviors.
What disorder is linked to low levels of dopamine in the substantia nigra?
Parkinson’s disease.
Low dopamine levels in this area affect motor control.
Low levels of dopamine in which brain region are associated with ADHD?
Prefrontal cortex.
This region is crucial for attention and executive functions.
High levels of dopamine in which brain region are linked to Tourette’s disorder?
Caudate nucleus.
This area is involved in the regulation of movement.
What does the dopamine hypothesis suggest about schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is due to high levels of dopamine or hyperactivity of dopamine receptors.
This hypothesis has been influential in understanding the neurobiological basis of schizophrenia.
What is the primary function of acetylcholine (ACh)?
ACh is involved in movement, arousal, attention, and memory.
How does acetylcholine affect muscle movement?
ACh causes muscles to contract.
What autoimmune disorder is associated with acetylcholine receptors?
Myasthenia gravis.
What happens in myasthenia gravis?
It destroys ACh receptors at neuromuscular junctions, causing muscle weakness.
