Neurotransmitters and neuromodulators Flashcards
What in development does neurotransmitters regulate, before synapse formation?
Proliferation of neuronal progenitors, migration, differentiation
What does neurotransmitters regulate after synapse formation?
Synaptogenesis and synapse maturation
What are the two most common forms of extrasynaptic neurotransmission during development?
Neurotransmitters can be released from vesicles or transported over a membrane via a transporter.
What neurotransmitter receptors are present in early development?
Both GABA and glutamate receptors are present already in progenitor cells
What is the function of GABA?
It is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS
What is the function of glutamate?
It is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS
What is the function of glutamate and GABA during early development?
They help guide cell migration and proliferation
What is tagenital migration?
Migration of neurons within a layer (side to side)
What is radial migration?
Migration of neurons between layers (up-down)
What is the function of taurine in the brain?
Osmoregulation (it binds a lot of water, and this is transported with it) and neuromodulation (it can activate multiple different receptors)
What is the main receptor, that taurin activates during development?
GABA receptors (it is substituting GABA)
Where are most serotonergic neurons located?
The rapha
What is the function of serotonin in early development?
It functions as a neuroprotectant, decreasing apoptosis at very early developmental stages
What is the function of serotonin in later development?
It is important for the branching of thalamic neurons
Where are dopaminergic neurons located in the brain?
The substantia nigra
What are the main receptors for dopamine?
D1 → stimulating
D2 → inhibitory
How does dopamine affect cell proliferation during development?
Depending on the receptor (D1-like or D2-like), it can either promote progenitor proliferation or differentiation
What cellular processes does dopamine affect?
Proliferation, migration, dendritic development and pruning
What are the main receptors for acetylcholine?
Nicatinic receptors (nAcRs), muscarinic receptors
In what developmental process does acetylcholine play an important role?
Activity dependent development
How does neurotransmitters often function in early development?
Through paracrine transmission, similar to growth factors
What neurotransmitters are involved in proliferation, migration and developing neurons?
Glutamate, GABA, serotonin and dopamine
What is the basal forebrain cholinergic system?
The acetylcholine signalling system in the basal area of the forebrain.
What is the function of dopamine in brain development during adolescense?
It regulates pruning
