Neurotransmitters and Pharmacology Flashcards
What is synaptic transmission?
Information transfer across the synapse requiring the release of neurotransmitters and their interaction with postsynaptic receptors
List 4 key characteristics of synaptic transmission
Rapid timescale
Diversity
Plasticity
Learning and memory
List the basic components of the structure of a neurone
Soma Axon Synaptic terminal Dendrites Spines
What is the purpose of spines being present on the surface of dendrites?
Increase the surface area for information receipt
Where does integration of all the information coming into the neurone take place?
Soma (cell body)
What does communication between cells require?
Neurotransmitter release
What specialised structures is neurotransmission restricted to?
Synapses
What are the 3 main components of a synapse?
Presynaptic nerve
Gap (synaptic cleft)
Postsynaptic region (dendrite or cell soma)
How big is the gap between the presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals?
20-100 nm
How many stages does synaptic transmission occur in?
3
What are the 3 stages of synaptic transmission?
- Biosynthesis, packaging and release of neurotransmitter
- Receptor action
- Inactivation
What types of molecules can neurotransmitters be?
Amino acids, amines and neuropeptides
Give examples of neurotransmitters which are amino acids
glutamate, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine [Gly]
Give examples of neurotransmitters which are amines
noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA)
Give an example of a neurotransmitter that is a neuropeptide
opioid peptides
