T8 Problems at synapse

Question 1

Symptoms of Parkinsons

Answer 1

Severe muscle stiffness
Physical movements
Involuntary shaking of body parts
Depression

Question 2

Treatment of parkinsons

Answer 2

L-dopa

Question 3

How does L-dopa work

Answer 3

Dopamine cannot cross blood-brain barrier but L-dopa can
When L-dopa is in the brain it is converted into dopamine

Mimics action of dopamine by binding to post synaptic to pass on action potential

Question 4

How do dopamine agonists work

Answer 4

They bind to dopamine receptors at synapses
Prevent schizophrenia from too much dopamine

Question 5

Cause of parkinsons

Answer 5

Dopamine secreting neurones begin to break down. Neurones normally secrete dopamine into the motor cortex. Lack of dopamine causes symptoms

Question 6

Symptoms of depression

Answer 6

Feelings of persistent sadness
No appetite
Aches and pains

Question 7

Cause of depression

Answer 7

Lack of serotonin
Pathways involving serotonin have abnormalities
Fewer nerve impulses, less neurotransmitter produced

Question 8

Treatment for depression

Answer 8

SSRIs
Prevent reuptake of serotonin
Increasing concentration IN THE SYNAPTIC CLEFT
This means the threshold value is always reached
And action potentials are induced

Question 9

How does MDMA affect synapses

Answer 9

When MDMA is present it blocks transporter proteins, preventing the reuptake of serotonin. This means serotonin remains in the synaptic cleft and continues to bind with the neuroreceptors and initiate more action potentials in the post-synaptic