Postsynaptic Flashcards
entry of sodium in post synaptic neuron causes
depolarisation
structure of a dendritic spine
small membranous protrusion from a neuron dendrite that typically receives input from a single axon at the synapse
dendritic spine = spine neck + spine head
storage sites for synaptic strength and help transmit electrical signals to the neuons cell body
why are dendritic spines important
functional compartmentalisation
ionic and biochemical changes are partially restricted to just the activated synapse - input specificity
post synaptic density
neurotransmitter receptors and anchored and regulated by a host protein
where do eneurons receive inputs
somato dendritic compartments
how is L Glutamate synthesised
- non essential amino acid
- synthesised from glutamine via glutaminase
- most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter
injected intracerebral glutamate results in
seizures
shown by Hayashi
where is glutamate stored
synaptic vesicles
how is glutamate transported into vesicles
VGLUT transfers cytosolic glutamate into vesicle
how is glutamate released
calcium dependent release mechanism
glutamate receptors
specific protein targets
iGluRs
mGluRs
where are glutamate transporters present
pre and post synaptic nerve terminals and astrocytes (EAAT1/2)
rapid removal of transmitter from synapse
process for glutamate synthesis
glutamate-glutamine shuttle and metabolic processes within presynaptic terminal
2 main types of ionotropic receptors
AMPA
NMDA
AMPA receptor role
day to day business of synaptic communication
they are permeable to sodium and potassium ions but do not usually pass calcium ions
NMDA receptor role
activated under special conditions
pass calcium ions as well as sodium and potassium
this calcium flux allows local biochemical changes to be triggered when the receptors are activated
structure of a single iGluR subunit
extracellular = N terminus and ligand binding domain
Intracellular = C terminus
Glu subunits in AMPA
mixtures of gutA1-4
why do most AMPA receptors contain GluA2
endows calcium impermeabile to the pore
example antagonists of AMPA receptors
NBQX
CNQX