Types of neurotransmitter

Question 1

There exists 4 main types of … molecule NTs, and 1 main type of … molecule NT.

Answer 1

small, large

Question 2

Amino acids (3)

Answer 2

1) Small, building blocks of proteins, most fast acting receptors are sensitive to amino acids
2) Eg. glutamate, aspartate, glycine and GABA.
3) Glutamate most common excitatory NT, GABBA, most common inhibitory NT.

Question 3

Monoamines (5)

Answer 3

1) Small, synthesized from a single amino acid. Mostly found in the brain.
2) Dopamine - precursor tyrosine and L-dopa, produced in substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area, involved in emotional and cognitive processes,
3) Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) - Neurons that release are called noradrenergic, concentrated in locus coeruleus mediating general arousal.
4) Epinephrine (adrenaline)- Neurons that release are called adrenergic
5) Serotonin - precursor tryptophan, produced in the midbrain and brainstem, associated with mood, sleep and memory

Question 4

Soluble Gases (2)

Answer 4

1) Small, not stored in PS vesicles, stimulate synthesis of second messenger, role in providing feedback to PS neuron,
2) Eg. nitric oxide, carbon monoxide

Question 5

Acetylcholine (ACh) (2)

Answer 5

1) Small, associated with motor functions (found iun neuromuscular joints), also found in ANS and to some extent CNS. Associated with memory and learning
2) Neurons that release are called cholinergic.

Question 6

Neuropeptides

Answer 6

1) Large, 50+ identified, synthesized in the cell body rather then terminal and transported to axion through microtubules,, slow to re-uptake,
2) Mostly neuromodulators - adjust sensitivity of populations of neurons (populations are said to be ‘bathed in neuromodulators).
3) Eg. endorphins - endogenous opioids that mediate pleasure experiences