Neurotransmitters

Question 1

Acetylcholine

ACh

Answer 1

“cholinergics”

1. Voluntary motor movement (it’s the chemical released by motor neurons; excitation causes muscle contraction, inhibition by nerve gas at heart, lungs can cause an accumulation of ACh that paralyzes respiratory muscles)
2. Learning and memory (degeneration of ACh receptors in brain/hippocampus contribute to memory loss in aging and Alzheimer’s)
3. Sexual behaviour
4. Sleep

Question 2

Dopamine

Answer 2

Basal ganglia, limbic system, frontal lobes

1. Movement
2. Learning
3. Mood
4. Reinforcing effects of stimulants, opiates, nicotine

Depression, schizophrenia, Tourette’s, ADHD, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s

Question 3

Norepinephrine

Answer 3

1. Mood
2. Dreaming
3. Learning
4. Autonomic responses

Involved in depression, mania, panic disorder

Question 4

Serotonin

5-HT

Answer 4

Low levels = depression, aggression, PTSD, OCD, Bulimia

High levels = schizophrenia, autism, decreased appetite/anorexia

1. Anxiety
2. Mood
3. Memory
4. Aggression
5. Pain
6. Sleep
7. Appetite
8. Sexuality

Question 5

GABA

Answer 5

Main inhibitory neurotransmitter

1. Motor control
2. Regulates anxiety

Abnormal levels = sleep, eating, anxiety, seizure disorders, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s

Anti-anxiety drugs increase GABA activity

Question 6

Glutamate

Answer 6

Major excitatory neurotransmitter

Involved in long-term potentiation (used for memory formation)

Abnormal levels = anxiety disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia

Overactivity (excitotoxicity) = seizures, stroke, TBI, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s

Question 7

Endorphins

Endogenous morphine

Answer 7

Neuromodulators

Reduce feelings of pain

Produce feelings of pleasure

Involved in “Runner’s high,” and pain-relieving effects of acupuncture and placebos