Other neurotransmitters

Question 1

What are the three properties of other neurotransmitters

Answer 1

Don’t have to be present in the pre-synaptic terminal
Don’t have to be released after the fire of the pre-synaptic neuron
Don’t have to have receptors in the post-synaptic neuron

Question 2

Describe peptides Opioids

Answer 2

formed by 2 or more amino acids
not synthesised, but broken up by larger amino acids in the cell body
serve as modulators

Endogenous Opioids
best known peptide neurotransmitter
usually found in brain areas that are related to pain
famous for it’s analgesic function

Heroin
agonist (not neurotoxic but highly addictive)
Methadone (slower agonist)

Question 3

Describe lipids and endocannabinoids

Answer 3

for the signalling, storage, structural support
hydrophobic

Best known lipid neurotransmitter
2 receptors (CB1 and CB2)
CB1 for most psychological effects
if the CB1 is activated, faster action potential from the pre-synaptic neurones but fewer neurotransmitters being released

cannabis
tetrahydrocannabinol = main compound of cannabis
calming effect
still used in medical

Question 4

Describes nucleosides and caffeine

Answer 4

formed by the breaking down of nucleic acids

Adenosine = the breaking down of Adenosine Triphosphate
The firing rate of adenosine neurones are correlated to the tiredness and sleepiness

Caffeine
antagonists of adenosine receptors
blocking the adenosine receptors > suppress the firing rate of the receptors > less drowsiness

Question 5

Describe gas

Answer 5

Nitric Oxides

unsure on the effect. However, helps learning and memory through synaptic plasticity
dilate blood vessels

4 properties of NO
not synthesised and stored in the synaptic vesicles
created throughout the entire cell and released once created
does not need to bind onto receptors
relatively local effects