Neurotransmitters

Question 1

describe how neurotransmission works

Answer 1

released from axon terminals (synaptic vesicles)
crosses synaptic cleft and binds to complementary recepotrs on dendrites
if they dont bind, can be degraded or reuptake can occur

Question 2

what are agonists

Answer 2

increase receptor site activity

Question 3

what are antagonists

Answer 3

decrease receptor site activity

Question 4

glutamate

Answer 4

• main excitatory NT of CNS
• learning/memory
• too much overstimulates and damages neurons (schizophrenia)

Question 5

GABA

Answer 5

• main inhibitory NT of CNS
• learning, memory, sleep
• anti anxiety drugs bind to GABA receptor

Question 6

acetylcholine

Answer 6

• memory (treats alzheimers; NT’s that have ACH killed)
• muscle movement
• arousal, selective attention, sleep

Question 7

difference between monoamine nt’s and neuropeptides

Answer 7

have one vs many aa’s

Question 8

examples of monoamine NT

Answer 8

dopamine (rewards)

serotonin and noradrenaline (arousal; serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors treat depression)

Question 9

example of neuropeptide?

Answer 9

endorphins: endogenous opoid (brain’s natural narcotic); pain reductor; regulates hunger/fullness

Question 10

describe anandamides

Answer 10

eating, motivation, memory, sleep

binds to same receptor as active ingredient in marijuana