Neurotransmitters/Chemical Messengers Flashcards
Which of the following is produced almost exclusively in the midline raphe nuclei?
A. Dopamine
B. Epinephrine
C. Norepinephrine
D. Histamine
E. Serotonin
E. Serotonin
Dopamine: Located higher up in the brain (Substansia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area)
Histamine: Has its own special place (keeps you awake!)
Where is serotonin made?
Raphe Nuclei
An autoimmune response that destroys the neurons of the tuberomammillary nucleus is most likely to directly decrease the release of which neurotransmitter?
A. Dopamine
B. Epinephrine
C. Histamine
D. Norepinephrine
E. Serotonin
C. Histamine
Tuberomammillary is going to be responsible for creating HISTAMINE!!!
What is the correct order of synthesis of the monoamines derived from tyrosine?
A. Epinephrine –> Norepinephrine –> Dopamine
B. Epinephrine –> Serotonin –> Norephinephrine
C. Histamine –> Serotonin –> Epinephrine
D. Dopamine –> Norepinephrine –> Epinephrine
E. Serotonin –> Epinephrine –> Histamine
D.
Adrenergic Neurons will release a little bit of Dopamine and Norepinephrine along with Epinephrine
Neurons which release which neurotransmitter as their primary transmitter are also likely to release measurable quantities of dopamine and norepinephrine?
A. Acetycholine
B. Epinephrine
C. Glutamate
D. Histamine
E. Serotonin
B.
List some general functions for Acetylcholine.
- Crucial in producing CONSCIOUSNESS, but not AWARENESS (Brain Arousal Mechanisms)
- Control of VOLUNTARY motion
- Initiation of REM sleep
Which protein will move Acetylcholine into the Vesicles where they are stored? What happens if this protein is damaged?
Vesicular Ach Transporter Protein (VAchT)
** If this protein is damaged, you will have a REDUCED ability to fill up the vesicles with Acetylcholine
Which enzyme is responsible for getting rid of Acetylcholine after it is released into the Synaptic Cleft? What is an example of a chemical that will inhibit this enzyme?
Acetylcholinesterase
*** Wasp spray (they will seize right before they die due to the excess Ach in their synaptic cleft!)
Describe the characterstics of Muscarinic Receptors.
- 5 Different Subtypes that are all activated by Ach
- Serpentine Receptor
- G-Protein Coupled
Differentiate between the various types of Muscarinic Acetycholine Receptors that are located in the brain.
M1: Acts through GQ (IP3/DAG) to INCREASE Ca2+ levels in the cell
M4: Presynaptic Autoreceptor and Postsynaptic Receptor located in the STRIATUM of BASAL GANGLIA; Acts through GI to DECREASE cAMP levels (Pathway involved with Voluntary Motion)
M5: Located in the Cerebrovasculature and Dopaminergic Neurons of Basal Ganglia (Important in MOTOR CONTROL); Act through GQ to INCREASE IP3/DAG levels
Where are the Nicotinic Receptors located? Which Neurotransmitter will bind there? What happens if you change the receptor subunit?
Location: Neuromuscular Junciton, Autonomic Ganglia, Other parts of the CNS
- Acetylcholine
- Changing the subtypes will change the way that the channels BEHAVES! You can cahnge which ions can enter the brain and at which rate they will enter!
What is the preferred ion to enter the Nicotinic Receptors?
SODIUM (but some Ca2+ can enter as well)
Where is GABA mainly located?
- Cerebellum
- Cortex
- Retina
What is the functional role of GABA?
- MAJOR inhibitory neurotransmitter in the HIGHER CNS
- Critical for producing consciousness/awareness (Brain AROUSAL Mechanisms)
- Control of VOLUNTARY motion
Which enzyme is responsible for making GABA?
What is the enzyme limited by?
Name a syndrome that can occur if this enzyme is dysfunctional.
- Glutamate Decarboxylase (GAD)
- Limited by Glutamate RE-UPTAKE
*** Stiff-Person Syndrome (people are going to have a difficult time moving their body)
Which GABA receptor is the Ionotropic Receptor?
Which ion will enter the cell when GABA binds?
What happens when Benzodiazepines bind with GABA?
GABA(a) Receptor: Ionotropic
Allows Chloride into the cell which will cause HYPERPOLARIZATION
Binding of Benzodiazepines will POTENTIATE the chloride conductance (allows MORE Cl- into the cell with the SAME amount of GABA)
Which GABA receptor is the Metabotropic Receptor?
Which G-subunits are associated with this receptor?
What happens when GABA binds?
GABA (b): Serpentine (1 large protein coded for by 1 gene)
Associated with Gq and Gi
When GABA binds to Gi, you will have a DECREASE in Adenylyl Cyclase and an INCREASE in K+ LEAVING the cell (causes the cell to become MORE HYPERPOLARIZED)
When GABA binds to Gq, you will have an INCREASE in IP3/DAG which will lead to MORE Ca2+ coming into the cell
How can General Anestetics work in relation to GABA receptors?
A large number of GABA receptors (mostly GABA(a)) have been found at extra-synaptic locations through-out the cortex.
Where is Glycine Located?
SPINAL CORD and a little in the Brainstem
What is the General Function of Glycine?
Mediates many Spinal Inhibitions (Reflexes and their Modification)
