Neurotransmitters and neuromodulators

Question 1

What are the 7 classes of neurotransmitters?

Answer 1

amino acids, acetylcholine, monoamines, peptides, lipids, nucleosides, and soluble gases

Question 2

Amino Acids

Answer 2

There are 8 that function as NT’s in the CNS

Question 3

Amino acids: glutamate

Answer 3

The main excitatory NT in the CNS. is synthesized from precursor by an enzyme. Vesicle glutamate transporters package into vesicles. Released during AP’s

Question 4

Amino acids: gamma

Answer 4

(GABA) has an inhibitory effect. Produced from glutamic by the enzyme GAD. Packaged by GABA transporter and released. Reuptake by GABA transporters

Question 5

Amino Acids: glycine

Answer 5

inhibitory effects on the spinal cord

Question 6

Amino Acids: glutamate (reuptake)

Answer 6

Excitatory amino acid transporters. Remove glutamate from synapse. Breaks down glutamate into building block precursor (glutamine)

Question 7

What is ALS

Answer 7

glutamate excitotoxity

Question 8

Acetylcholine

Answer 8

The primary NT secreted by efferent axons of the CNS, but also found in the autonomic NS. Synapses where ACh is released are said to be acetylcholinergic

Question 9

What are the 2 ACh receptors?

Answer 9

Nicotinic and muscarinic

Question 10

ACh: Nicotinic receptors

Answer 10

Ionotropic ACh receptor. Primarily in muscle fibers, but also CNS axoaxonic receptors. Drugs: blocked by curare (botox; paralysis) stimulated by nicotine

Question 11

ACh: muscarinic receptors

Answer 11

Metabolic ACh receptor. The primary ACh receptor in the CNS. Drugs: blocked by atropine (inhibits saliva production) stimulated by muscarine (type of poisonous mushroom

Question 12

ACh functions in the CNS

Answer 12

controls REM, activates cerebral cortex, facilitates learning, modulates formation of some memories

Question 13

ACh: functions in the PNS

Answer 13

Involved in muscular movement/contraction

Question 14

Monoamines

Answer 14

Classical NT’s , regulate functions in the widespread brain

Question 15

Mono: Catecholamines: Dopamine

Answer 15

produces both excitatory and inhibitory;

Question 16

Nigrostriatal system

Answer 16

System of neurons starting in substantria nigiri and ending in neostriatum, important for movement control

Question 17

Mesolimbic system

Answer 17

Important for reinforcing the effects of drugs

Question 18

Mesocortical system

Answer 18

Important for short-term memory, planning, and problem solving

Question 19

Mono: Catecholamines: Norepinephrine

Answer 19

Increases vigilance and attentiveness

Question 20

Mono: Catecholamines: Epinephrine

Answer 20

involved in fight or flight

Question 21

Mono: Catecholamines: Monoamine Oxidase

Answer 21

enzyme for catecholamine destruction, sometimes used to treat depression

Question 22

Mono: Indolamines: Serotonin

Answer 22

mood reg., eating, sleeping, arousal, pain reg., dreaming

Question 23

Mono: Ethylamines: Histamines

Answer 23

wakefulness, digestive system, immune system

Question 24

Peptides

Answer 24

two or more amino acids linked together; main family is endogenous opioids

Question 25

Lipids

Answer 25

substances derived from lipids that can communicate within and between cells

Question 26

Nucleosides

Answer 26

a compound of sugar molecule bound with a purine or pyrimidine base

Question 27

Soluble gases

Answer 27

used for interneuron communication