TEST 1 Flashcards
Chemical Transmission
- uses chemical synapse
- unidirectional communication
- relatively SLOW
==> Better Control - used by most neurons in CNS
excitiatory or inhibitory
Electrical Transmission
- uses Gap Junction
- Bidirectional communication
- FASTER than chemical
- rare in mammals
4 Criteria to be Neut?
1) Localization - present at nerve terminal
2) Release - released after AP reaches nerve terminal
3) Mimicry - can synthesize it in lab, and observe the same response
4) Inactivation - it should be inactivated by a specific mech
Neut Property 1: Synthesis
Neut Synthesis and Packaging into Synaptic Vesicles:
- synthesis from precursors
- Enzymatic control of synthesis
- usually involves a Rate-limiting Step
- Localization: some synthesized at terminal (terminal synthesis), and some in the soma (somatic synthesis)
- inhibitory feedback on synthetic machinery via autoreceptors
Neut Property 2: Release
AP Dependent release of synaptic vesicles contents into the Synaptic Cleft:
==> Depolarization==> Ca2+ influx at nerve terminal ==> exocytosis of vesicles
Neut Property 3: Action
Binding of Neut to Postsynaptic Receptor:
- a single neut may bind to multiple receptor types
- binding is usually REVERSIBLE
- the effect is CONCENTRATION DEPENDENT:
- low [ ] can activate specific receptors
- high [ ] can bind to specific and non-specific receptors, causing undesirable side effects b/c of non-specific receptor activation
Neut Property 4: Inactivation
Termination of Neut Action:
- extracellular degradative enzymes
- specific reuptake proteins
- diffusion of Neut away
- internalization of ligand-receptor complex
postsynaptic receptors, 2 major classes:
ionotropic
metabotropic
ionotropic receptor
==> Ligand-gated receptor ==> ACh Nicotinic
- the receptor itself is an ion channel
- onset: FAST
- duration: SHORT
- an ion channel?: YES
- direct effect on channel?: YES
- second messenger: NO
- amplification: NO
metabotropic receptor
==> G-protein coupled receptor ==> ACh Muscarinic
- receptor is linked to ion channel with help of G-protein
- onset: SLOW
- duration: LONG
- an ion channel?: NO
- direct effect on channel?: NO
- second messenger: YES
- amplification: YES
neut excitation or inhibition is determined by:
the receptor
Excitation:
excitation ==> Depolarization of membrane potential towards firing threshold
- EPSP
Inhibition:
inhibition==> Hyperpolarization of membrane potential away from firing threshold
- IPSP
unique about peptide neuts:
- synthesis directed by mRNA
- usually exist as INACTIVE protein first
- MADE IN CELL BODY and transported to axonal terminal
- during transport, are cut by peptidase into smaller pieces becoming ACTIVE
specific NEUTS: Amines, list
- ACh Nicotinic, muscarinic
- Dopamine D1, D2
- Norepinephrine alpha, beta
- epinephrine alpha, beta
- serotonin many
- histamine H1, H2
specific NEUTS: Amino Acids, list
- Glutamate ionotropic: NMDA, non-NMDA
metabo: IP3, DAG - GABA iono: GABAa
metabo: GABAb - glycine
specific NEUTS: Neuropeptides, list
- opiod peptides - beta-endorphin, enkephalin, dynorphin
- peptides that also act in the GI system
- pituitary peptides: oxytocin, vasopressin
- others
specific NEUTS: Gases, list
- NO
- CO
specific NEUTS: Amines, Catecholamines
Catecholamines: Dopamine, Epinephrine, NE
- all derived from TYROSINE (catechol nucleus)
- rate-limiting enzyme: Tyrosine Hydroxylase
- major player in NS, in many COLD MEDICINES as they mimic activation of Sympathetic NS ==> “sympathomimetics”
specific NEUTS: Amines, Serotonin
Serotonin
- precursor ==> TRYPTOPHAN (mood)
- zoloft and others are SSRIs
specific NEUTS: Amines, Histamine
Histamine:
- precursor ==> HISTIDINE
- helps cold-related symptoms
- anti-itch, anti-allergy
specific NEUTS: Amines, ACh
ACh
- precursor ==> CHOLINE
- rate-limiting step: UPTAKE OF CHOLINE
- biosynthetic enzyme: Choline Acetyl Transferase (CAT)
- degradative enzyme: Acetylcholine Esterase (ACE)
- nicotinic receptors are at NMJ
specific NEUTS: Amino Acids, Glutamate
Glutamate
- precursor: GLUTAMINE
- taken up by axon terminals and recycled after function is complete
- EXCITATORY NEUT
NMDA - important for learning and memory
excessive glutamate release during stroke and CNS damage can lead to neuronal death ==> a type of EXCITOTOXICITY
- ionotropic receptor for Glutamate
- activated by endogenous release of glutamate
- REQS: co-activation of its Glycine binding site and partial depolarization of membrane
- with ligand binding: opening of non-specific cation conducting channels (Ca2+, Na+) // second messenger effect of Ca2+ influx
specific NEUTS: Amino Acids, GABA
GABA
- precursor: GLUTAMATE
- GABAa ==> ionotropic ==> Cl- influx
- GABAb ==> metabotropic ==> K+ efflux
- INHIBITORY NEUT
specific NEUTS: Amino Acids, Glycine
Glycine
- with receptor activation ==> CL-influx ==> hyperpolarization
- INHIBITORY NEUT
NO as a novel chemical messenger
NO
- a GAS, made and released by Neurons in the CNS and PNS
- RETROGRADE messenger
- no vesicular machinery needed for release
- in periphery, causes smooth muscle DILATION
- VIAGRA, increases erection
alpha-bungarotoxin
blocks binding of ACh to its Nicotinic receptor in PNS
antagonist
atropine
muscarinic receptor blocker (used clinically to block postganglionic parasympathetics)
baclofen
GABAb agonist (used clinically to treat spasticity and some forms of epilepsy)
barbituate sedatives (phenobarbital)
increase the DURATION of GABAa Cl- channel opening
benzodiazepine (valium)
increases the FREQUENCY of GABAa Cl- channel opening
botulism toxin
blocks release of ACh
cocaine
blocks monoamine re-uptake at synapse to prolong action of Neuts
Curare
blocks binding of acetylcholine to its nicotinic receptor on skeletal muscle
LSD
acts as an agonist at postsynaptic serotonin receptors
morphine
mimics binding of opioid peptides to their receptors to produce analgesia
neostigimine
- inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity, prolonging acetylcholine activity
organophosphates (insecticides)
- irreversibly inactivates acetylcholinesterase
phenylcycldine (PCP)
an NMDA glutamte receptor blocker
strychnine
glycine receptro blocker
tricyclic antidepressants
block monoamine reuptake
zoloft and other SSRIs
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Neuron types:
pseudounipolar
bipolar
multipolar
pseudounipolar
- have one process
- general sensory
- have cell body in DRG
bipolar
have 2 processes: a dendrite and a axon
- special sensory
multipolar
- have one axon and 2 or more dendrites
- MOTOR
Neuron organelles: Rough ER
ROugh ER
- in larger neurons is organized in to parallel cisternae with numerous polyribosomes between them ==> NISSL substance
- found in all parts of the neuron except the Axon Hillock
Neuron organelles: microtubules
Microtubules
- involved in movement and of structures and organelles in neuronal cytoplasm
- anterograde - transport away from soma
- retrograde - transport towards soma
Neuron organelles: lysosomes
Lysosomes
- contain degradative enzymes and INCLUSION
- Lipofuscin Granule - residues of enurons undigested by lysosomes
- Melanin - by product of catecholamine synthesis
Neurons: Dendrites
Dendrites:
- process of pseudounipolar neuron; structurally an axon divided into peripheral process bringing info to soma in DRG and a central process entering CNS via dorsal rootlets
- degree of myelination of peripheral DRG processes, along with diameter, the conduction velocity of the process: increased myelination ==> increased conduction velocity of AP
- neuronal dendrites are highly ARBORIZED - increases area of cell that can recieve synapses
- branches or arbors of dendrites decrease in diameter away from the soma
- cytoplasmic composition is the same as soma, EXCEPT they lack GOLGI COMPLEXES and their NISSL substances are often restricted to larger, more proximal portions of the branch
Neurons: Axons
Axons:
- one per neuron
- Axon Hillock - nissl substance and polyribosomes absent, can be distinguished form other cytoplasmic extensions by lack of nissl substance
- cannot synthesize or metabolize proteins
- axons within CNS are highly branched
- unlike dendrite, axon of a neuron in CNS can leave the CNS and enter the periphery
Anterograde Transport, 2 types
- Slow - 2-4mm/day, structural proteins and enzymes
- Fast - 200-400 mm/day, membranes, mitochondria, synaptic vessels
Cells of CNS: Glial Cells
Glial Cells:
Astrocytes and Oligodendrocytes
Cells of CNS: Astrocytes- processes of some are rich in GFAP
- with abundant GFAP ==> Fibrous Astrocytes, in BOTH grey and white matter
- with little GFAP ==> protoplasmic, are in grey matter
astrocytes
- PROLIFERATE after injury to CNS
- essential for dev. and maintenace of the BBB
- transport material to and from the vasculature and the substance of the CNS
- play vital role in modulation ionic environment in CNS and removing excess NEUTS
BBB
BBB = zona occludens junctions b/w endothelial cells
Cells of CNS: Oligodendrocytes
Oligodendrocytes
- MYELINATION of the CNS AXONS
- some provide trophic support to close proximity neuronal somata
Cells of CNS: Microglia
Microglia
- MESODERMAL ORIGIN
- arise from monocyte- macrophage system
- pop, in CNS slowly turns over as they migrate into and out of the CNS
- participate in INFLAMMATORY responses and PHAGOCYTIC activity
Cells of CNS: Ependyma
Ependyma - line the 'interior of the CNS -remains of proliferative layer of neural tube - STEM CELLS for CNS -
Cells of CNS: Choroidal Epithelial cells
Choroidal epithelial cells
- cells constituting epithelial covering of the choroid plexus
- start life as ependyma, then turn into choroidal cells when encountering the Pia
- forms the BLOOD -CSF BARRIER
- SECRETE CSF
Grey Matter
protoplasmic
Grey Matter
- contains NEUROPIL - areas of gray matter consisting of intermingled processes like dendrites and axonal endings
- contain many more microglia than white
- has rich vasculature to bring O2 and glucose
Neuronal cell body organization, 2 ways
1) Nucleus - clusters of neuronal cell bodies having similar origin and function
2) Laminar - neuronal somata organized into LAyers, in cortex are organizes into columns perpendicular to pial surface
White matter
white matter
- mostly myelinated axons
- many oligodendrocytes, fibrous astrocytes and microglia
- no neuronal cell bodies==> poorly dev. vasculature
Synapse
a Neuronal- Neuronal Interaction
Synapse
- contact of the axon of one neuron with a part of another neuron
- DETERMINES DIRECTION OF TRANSMISSION OF A NERVE IMPULSE
- in postsynaptic element, just below the thick membrane, there is the POSTSYNAPTIC DENSITY - contains numerous ion channels and Neut receptors that are linked to large complexes of several proteins ==> SIGNALING MACHINES
-
Synapse Classification ==>5
- chemical
- electrical
- neuromuscular - if synapse on skeletal muscle ==> Motor-End Plate, release Neuts at small specialized site on skeletal muscle
- cardiac and smooth ==>axon terminates in number of small Boutons and release neuts over wide area of cardiac and smooth muscle
- secretomotor - neuronal-glandular cell terminations
- neurosecretory - axons terminating freely near fenestrated capillaries and releasing large vesicles which enter blood stream
Neuronal-glial interactions
Neuronal/astrocyte
- astrocytes play major role in maintaining ionic environment of neuropil and the axon at the node of ranvier
- during dev, astrocytes determine the sites of the Nodes of ranvier
Neuronal/oligodendrocyte
- make myelin, can myelinate multiple neurons at once
CSF
CSF
- ultrafiltrate of PLASSA
- reabsorbed by Arachnoid Granulations
- 80% made in choroid plexus in lateral and 4th ventricles
- made by filtration across fenestrated capillary endothelial cells walls into chorodial epithelial cells
- composition closely controlled by limiting production to one site and by BBB and blood -CSF barrier
CSF pathophysiology ==> Hydrocephalus
treat with CSF diverting shunts
CSF pathophys
- Non-communicating or Obstructuve Hydrocephalus
- stenosis of cerebral aqueduct preventing CSF flow and resulting in dilated lateral and 3rd ventricles
- CSF is unable to leave brain via cerebral aqueduct
- Communicating Hydrocephalus
- problems with CSF resorption via arachnoid granulations: pressure-dependent valves into venous system
AP characteristics: phases
ion currents during AP ==>
Na+ and K+
1) Rising Phase
2) Overshoot
3) Peak
4) Falling phase - K channels open
5) After hyperpolarization
-55mv
threshold, where Na channles begin to open
-70mv
resting membrane potential
Na channels
have 2 gates:
activation/deactivation
inactivation/deinactivation
K channels
are slower to inactivate b/c they don’t have a inactivation gate
amplitude of AP is considered constant under normal (all or none) circumstances
yes it is
propagation of AP
Eddy Currents - regenerates the AP along the axon
- caused by influx of Na, the entering Na is attracted to nearby (-) region
- this depolarizes the nearby membrane to threshold generating an AP
- the Na entering from this AP evoke more eddy currents which depolarize to threshold the adj. membrane ==> propagating the AP
unmyelinated fibers
AP is generated sequentially on every piece of membrane, making for slow conduction
myelinated fibers
faster, b/c eddy currents skip the internodal segments and depolarize the membrane only at the nodes where Na channels congregate
- AP skipping node to node ==> Saltatory Conduction
- repolarization due to K leakage channels that are NOT actively opened ==> NO hyperpolarization ==> faster AP
refactory period
- ensure FORWARD PROGRESS of AP
- Absolute refactory period - during spike of AP, another AP cannot be initiated, Na channels are NOT reset
- Relative Refactory period - during early part of after-depolarization, another AP can be initiated if the stimulus is strong enough, K channels are still open
- Subnormal Period - after-hyperpolarization phase, K channels are still open and MP is near equilibrium point for K but another AP can elicited by stimulus if its large enough to shift the MP to threshold
normal conduction away from soma
orthodromic
conduction towards somas
antidromic
APs cannot reverse direction
normal conduction direction:
orthodromic
APs can be conducted in either direction
Electrotonic (GRADED) Potentials
- changes in MP occurring in a small region of the cytoplasmic membrane
- if not large enough to cause MP to reach threshold. theyre not propagated
- ALL RESPONSES, WHETHER DE- OR HYPERPOLARIZING, THAT DO NOT MOVE THE MP TO THRESHOLD = ELECTROTONIC POTENtIALS, they are not propagated and dissipate quickly