Neurotransmitters Flashcards
where are neurotransmitters synthesized
cell bodies (nuclei, grey matter)
where are neurons that make ACh found?
midbrain
pons
striatum of basal ganglia
what is the function of ACh from the striatum of basal ganglia?
control of voluntary motion
what is the function of ACh from the midbrain and pons?
REM sleep
awakening
what two molecules contribule to the synthesis of ACh
choline and acetate
what does VAChT do
vesicular ACh transporter protein -
moves ACh into vesicles
where is AChE found?
the post-synaptic cell membrane
what are the metabotropic cholinergic receptors called?
MUSCARINIC
which muscarinic receptor is active at neurons?
M1
what is the MOA of M1 receptor
Gq - increase IP3/DAG
increase Ca2+
where are M4 cholinergic receptors found and what is the MOA
striatum of basal ganglia
Gi - decrease cAMP
which muscarinic receptor is active at cerebrovasculature
M5
which muscarinic receptor is active at the dopaminergic neurons of basal ganglia?
M5
what is the MOA of M5 cholinergic receptor
Gq - increase IP3/DAG
increase Ca
are nicotinic receptors ionotropic or metabotropic
ionotropic
what are the two major inhibitory amino acids?
GABA
glycine
what is the major inhibitory amino acid of the CNS?
GABA
how is GABA distributed throughout the CNS?
higher at the more superior levels (ie cortex)
lowest in the spinal cord
what are the three functions we were given for GABA?
conciousness
motor control
vision (retina)
what amino acid is GABA synthesized from
glutamate
what is the important enzyme in GABA synthesis?
GAD - glutamate decarboxylase
how is GABA transported to vesicles
VGAT - vesicular GABA transporter protein
what protein removes GABA from synapses?
GAT - GABA transporter
where is GAT1 found?
on the presynaptic terminal