Problems With Synapses

Question 1

What is cause of Parkinson’s

Answer 1

Cause of Parkinson’s is:
Dopamine secreting cells in basal ganglia die, so less dopamine (neurotransmitter) is secreted into motor cortex which results in non-functioning synapses that control motor functions, this explains loss in muscular movements in patients.

Question 2

What are treatments for Parkinson’s

Answer 2

Treatments for Parkinson’s are:
L dopa 
Dopamine agonists
Selegiline
Deep brain stimulation

Question 3

Why can dopamine not be used to treat Parkinson’s

Answer 3

Dopamine can’t be used to treat Parkinson’s as it can’t cross blood brain barrier (selective permeability barrier that separates blood from brain extra cellular fluid)

Question 4

How does L-dopa work and what is dis adv

Answer 4

L-dopa works because it is a precursor to dopamine, and can cross blood brain barrier and is converted into dopamine. Increase dopamine levels, helps control symptoms
Dis adv is that effectiveness decreases overtime

Question 5

How do dopamine agonists work

Answer 5

Dopamine agonists work by :
Binding onto dopamine receptors on post-synaptic membrane, which triggers action potentials.
Dopamine agonists mimic role of dopamine without needing to be converted.

Question 6

How does monoamine oxidase inhibitors e.g selegiline work

Answer 6

Selegiline works by inhibiting monoamine oxidase (which normally breaks dopamine in synaptic cleft) so have more dopamine for longer

Question 7

How does DBS work

Answer 7

DBS works by implanting devices (neurostimulator) which send electrical impulse to specific targets in brain for treatment of movement disorders.

Question 8

What is cause of depression

Answer 8

Cause of depression is lack of serotonin (neurotransmitter)

Question 9

What are causes of depression

And what are symptoms

Answer 9

Causes of Depression are multifactorial: insomnia, trauma, stress.
Symptoms are: Loss of concentration, loss of confidence, tiring easily

Question 10

What are treatments for depression

Answer 10

Treatments for depression are:
Psychotherapy
Range of drugs SSRI (selective serotonin reputable inhibitors)

Question 11

How do SSRI work

Answer 11

SSRI work by binding to reuptake proteins (types of channel proteins) so serotonin levels remain high in synapse. Serotonin binds to receptor proteins in post-synaptic membrane, causing depolarisation of post synaptic membrane and action potentials continue.

Question 12

How does ecstasy affect synapses

Answer 12

Ecstasy affects synapses by increasing concentration of serotonin in synaptic cleft by stopping serotonin going back into presynaptic neurone.