PSY304: Chemistry of behavior - Neurotransmitters & Neuropharmacology Flashcards
A molecule, usually a drug, that binds a receptor molecule and initiates a response like that of another molecule, usually a neurotransmitter.
agonist
A neurotransmitter based on modifications of a single amino acid nucleus. Examples include acetylcholine, serotonin, and dopamine.
amine neurotransmitter
A molecule, usually a drug, that interferes with or prevents the action of a neurotransmitter.
antagonist
Referring to cells that use acetylcholine as their synaptic transmitter.
cholinergic
Referring to cells that use dopamine as their synaptic transmitter.
dopaminergic
A compensatory decrease in receptor availability at the synapses of a neuron.
down-regulation
A widely distributed amino acid transmitter, and the main inhibitory transmitter in the mammalian nervous system.
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
An amino acid transmitter, the most common excitatory transmitter.
glutamate
A small nucleus in the brainstem whose neurons produce norepinephrine and modulate large areas of the forebrain.
locus coeruleus
Also called simply transmitter. A signaling chemical, released by a presynaptic neuron, that diffuses across the synaptic cleft to alter the functioning of the postsynaptic neuron.
neurotransmitter
Also called simply receptor. A specialized protein that is embedded in the cell membrane, allowing it to selectively sense and react to molecules of the corresponding neurotransmitter.
neurotransmitter receptor
Referring to cells using norepinephrine (noradrenaline) as a transmitter.
noradrenergic
Also called noradrenaline. A neurotransmitter that is produced and released by sympathetic postganglionic neurons to accelerate organ activity. It is also produced in the brainstem and found in projections throughout the brain.
norepinephrine (NE)
A region of the forebrain that receives dopaminergic innervation from the ventral tegmental area. Dopamine release in this region may mediate the reinforcing qualities of many activities, including drug abuse.
nucleus accumbens
Any of a class of opium-like peptide transmitters that have been called the body’s own narcotics. The three kinds are enkephalins, endorphins, and dynorphins.
endogenous opioid
One of the three kinds of endogenous opioids.
enkephalin
A specialized membrane component that returns transmitter molecules to the presynaptic neuron for reuse.
transporter
A compensatory increase in receptor availability at the synapses of a neuron.
up-regulation
A portion of the midbrain that projects dopaminergic fibers to the nucleus accumbens.
ventral tegmental area (VTA)
___________ _________ are synthesized from precursors under the influence of enzymes.”
Neurotransmitter molecules are stored in _________?
______ ______ cause vesicles to fuse with the presynaptic membrane and release their neurotransmitter molecules into the synapse.”
Released neurotransmitter molecules bind with __________ and inhibit subsequent neurotransmitter release.”
Released neurotransmitter molecules bind to ___________ ___________.”
Released neurotransmitter molecules are deactivated either by ______ or __________ __________.”
neurotransmitter molecules vesicles Action potentials autoreceptors postsynaptic receptors reuptake; enzymatic degradation
A type of endogenous peptide that mimics the effects of morphine in binding to opioid receptors and producing marked analgesia and reward.
opioid peptide
A receptor that responds to endogenous opioids and/or exogenous opiates.
opioid receptor
Also called neuropeptide. A neurotransmitter consisting of a short chain of amino acids.
peptide neurotransmitter
A drug that blocks the reuptake of transmitter at serotonergic synapses.
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
