secondary messengers and intracellular signalling

Question 1

what is a primary messenger?

Answer 1

primary messengers carry signals between cells.

Question 2

what is a secondary messenger?

Answer 2

secondary messengers carry signals within cells.

Question 3

what are the main types of second messengers?

Answer 3

cyclic nucleotides, molecules derived from lipid bilayers, gases, ions

Question 4

how do second messengers modulate cellular activity in the nervous system?

Answer 4

rapid turnover of second messenger molecules, achieved by phosphorylation of target proteins by protein kinases

Question 5

what is signal amplification?

Answer 5

activation of one receptor by one extracellular transmitter produces synthesis of multiple second messengers and alters the activity of multiple targets

Question 6

what does BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor) do?

Answer 6

sensitises pain pathways, amplification by protein kinase cascades.

Question 7

how does BDNF alter pain processing?

Answer 7

altered gene expression, NMDA receptor activation and traficking to the cell surface