Neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and neurotransmission Flashcards
Spell out four main differences between classical and peptide transmitters.
Synthesis:
Classical t. = in cytoplasm
Peptide t. = translation of mRNA + Golgi apparatus process
Storage:
Classical t. = synaptic vesicles
Peptide t. = secretory vesicles (dense core)
Release site:
Classical t. = active zone
Peptide t. = unspecified
Types of neurotransmission mediated:
Classical t. = fast and slow
Peptide t. = slow
By what channel type is mediated fast neurotransmission? Slow?
Fast: ligand-gated ion channels
Slow: g-prot linked receptors
List 9 classical neurotransmitters.
ACh
Glu
GABA
Glycine
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
epinephrine
Serotonin
Histamine
Name the anatomical differences between slow and fast transmitters.
Modulatory (slow) neurotransmission is mainly originating from the midbrain and project widely through the cortex.
What is Dale’s hypothesis? Is it always true?
Neurons use only 1 type of neurotransmitter. Many exceptions, e.g. GABA and glycine can be released from the same synaptic vesicle
List three characteristics of ATP in regard to neurotransmission.
Slow and fast ligand-gated channels
Can be transported into vesicles
Most likely released from secretory granules
What does a neuron always need to release transmitters from a synaptic vesicle?
A vesicular transporter to concentrate the transmitter into a vesicle
What are the two main types of neurotransmitter transporters?
Plasma membrane transporter
Vesicular transporter
Name the 4 types of vesicular transporters
Vesicular Monoamine Transporter (VMAT1 and VMAT2)
Vesicular Acetylcholine Transporter (VACHT)
Vesicular GABA and Glycine Transporter (VGAT)
Vesicular Glutamate Transporter (VGLUT)
True or false: 3 families or transporters were co-opted independently for synaptic vesicles.
False, three independent evolutionary events. VGAT and VGLUT are present in Cnidaria; VMAT/VACHT was coopted later. VATP is actually the oldest; predates synaptic vesicles
What is the formula of synaptic strength and what are its variables?
M = NPQ
M: synaptic strength
N: # of release sites
P: probability of release
Q: change in postsynaptic membrane potential due to one single synapse
How is a change in synaptic strength usually probed?
One often looks at miniature excitatory post synaptic currents (minis) that are observed in the absence of an action potential and are due to the spontaneous release of one synaptic vesicle
How is P or N affecting postsynaptic minis? Q?
P or N: increase in freq.
Q: increase in amplitude of mini
Why do transporters require energy?
Because they perform work. Energy can be ATP or trading ions along their electroconcentration gradients
What can explain that transporter overexpression leads to increase in Q?
Vesicles leak (leaky bathtub model)
How can a change in Q (e.g., levels of Vglut) affect mini freq.?
Same number of synaptic vesicles will bind, but some of them could be empty, leading to a lower freq. postsynaptic recording of minis
True of false: loss of transporters leads to changes in synaptic vesicle release.
False
How can co-expression of transmitters be implemented (3)?
Storage of two transmitters in same vesicle
Two separate populations of synaptic vesicles in same release site
Separate release sites with distinct populations of synaptic vesicles
Explain the synergy between VACHT and VGLUT3.
Positively charged Ach builds up in the vesicle ->harder to pump in H+ (ATP) ->less ACh can be exchanged for H+ (VACHT)
Pumping in negatively charged Glu (VGLUT3) -> vesicle less positively charged ->ATP pump works better -> VACHT works better
True or false: the Vesicular ATPase cares about both the charge and pH of the vesicle
True.
What is the most common occurence of transporter synergy?
VGLUT and Zn: role of Zn in facilitation Vglut transport would be to dissipate the charge difference
Can dopamine be converted to norepinephrine?
True.
Why is removal of neurotransmitters a critical step in neurotransmission?
Fast: allows for high freq. signaling
Slow: prevents undesired lasting modulatory effects
Why is glutamate taken up by glial cells instead of neurons themselves?
Faster for astrocytes to reuptake.
How is the synthesis of neuropeptides and classical transmitters differentiating?
Neuropeptides: made from protein precursors encoded by genes
Classical transmitters: synthesized by enzyme in the cytosol
In what vesicle type are neuropeptides stored?
Dense core.
Why do neuropeptide precursors have cleavage sites?
To release active peptide.
What is the signal sequence on neuropeptide precursors necessary for?
Entry to ER.
Which statement is false?
1. Most neurons that secrete neuropeptides also have classical transmitter.
2. Can be multiple neuropeptides in same neuron.
Both true.
Why are neuropeptides made as precursors?
Small peptides cannot be inserted into the ER co-translationally
Where does cleavage of neuropeptides occur?
Trans-Golgi network (TGN)
What is the secretory pathway of neuropeptides?
Ribosomes + rough ER co-translation: translocation, signal seq. cleavage, folding -> Golgi: glycosylation -> Trans-Golgi network (TGN): endoproteolytic cleavage, sorting into secretory vesicles