Neurotransmitters & Pharmacology

Question 1

What is synaptic transmission

Answer 1

Information transfer across the synapse, which requires the release of neurotransmitters and their interaction with postsynaptic receptors.

Question 2

What are the 3 stages of synaptic transmission?

Answer 2

1) Biosynthesis, packaging and release
2) Receptro action
3) Inactivation

Question 3

What is the moist important excitatory transmitter in the brain?

Answer 3

glutamate

Question 4

What is the most important inhibitory transmitter in the brain?

Answer 4

GABA (gamma amino butyric acid)

Question 5

How big is the synaptic cleft/gap?

Answer 5

20-100nm

Question 6

Describe the steps involved in neurotransmitter release

Answer 6

Membrane depolarisation, calcium channels open, calcium influx into presynaptic cleft, vesicle fusion with membrane, vesicle exocytosis, transmitter release

Question 7

How does neurotransmitter realise occur so quickly?

Answer 7

Synaptic vesicles are packaged and stored/docked in the synaptic zone

Question 8

How does Alpha lactortoxin work? (black widow spider poison)

Answer 8

Interrupts cholinergic transmission

Question 9

How does the tetanus toxin work/effects?

Answer 9

It causes paralysis, due to its action on ACh receptors

Question 10

What does botulinum toxin work?

Answer 10

Causes flaccid paralysis, where muscles loose their functionality