Neurotransmitters

Question 1

What are the four criteria for a NT?

Answer 1

Synthesised in the presynaptic neuron

Packaged and stored presynaptically except NO

Released on demand

NT must be able to inactivated

Question 2

How can a neurotransmitter be inactivated?

Answer 2

Re-uptake

Diffusion

Enzymal inactivation

Question 3

What are the three major groups of NT?

Answer 3

Amino acids

Biogenic amines

Peptides

Question 4

Example of amino acid NT?

Answer 4

Glutamate

GABA

Glycine

Question 5

Example of biogenic amines NT?

Answer 5

Catecholamines- adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine

Indolamines- serotonin

Question 6

Example of peptide NT?

Answer 6

Encephalin

Endorphin

Dynorphin

Question 7

Function of glutamate?

Answer 7

Primary excitory NT in the CNS

Involved in memory, learning and cell death

Question 8

Function of GABA?

Answer 8

Principal inhibitory NT in the CNS

Acts via chloride channels

Question 9

Function of glycine?

Answer 9

Second most common inhibitory NT in the CNS

Primary inhibitory NT in the spinal cord and brainstem