Unit 1_Neural Communication Part 2 Flashcards
What are the following steps associated with?
- Transmitter is synthesized and then stored in vesicles.
- An action potential invades the presynaptic terminal.
- Depolarization of presynaptic terminal causes opening of voltage-gated Ca (2+) channels.
- Influx of Ca (2+) through channels.
- CA (2+) causes vesicles to fuse with presynaptic membrane.
- Transmitter is released into synaptic cleft via exocytosis.
- Transmitter binds to receptor molecules in postsynaptic membrane.
- Opening or closing of postsynaptic channels.
- Postsynaptic current causes excitatory or inhibatory postsynaptic potential that changes the excitability of the postsynaptic cell.
- Removal of neurotransmitter by glial uptake or enzymatic degradation.
- Retrieval of vesicular membrane from plasma membrane.
Sequence of events involved in transmission at a typical chemical synapse
What are two types of neurotransmitter receptors?
Ionotropic receptors - direct gathering (Ligand-gated ion channels)
Metabolic receptors - indirect gating (G-protein-coupled receptors)
What type of neurotransmitter receptor includes the following steps:
- Neurotransmitter binds
- Channel opens
- Ions flow across membrane
Ionotropic receptors - direct gathering (Ligand-gated ion channels)
What type of neurotransmitter receptor includes the following steps:
- Neurotransmitter binds
- G-protein is activated
- G-protein subunits or intracellular messengers modulate ion channels
- Ion channel opens
- Ions flow across membrane
Metabolic receptors - indirect gating (G-protein-coupled receptors)
What type of neuron are molecules, lipids, or ions that distribute an external signal (= the “message”) as they are released into the cytosol (= in the cell) upon receptor activation? They affect a wide variety of intracellular enzymes, ion channels, transporters, growth factors, and changes in gene expression (= the process by which information from ageneis used to produce anotherprotein) that are ultimately responsible for the proliferation (= increase in number), differentiation (= becoming more specific), and maturation of nerve cells.
Calcium (Ca2+) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) are examples.
Second Messengers
What is a cellular protein that binds to DNA and regulates the process by which information from a gene is used by the cell to create new proteins? Different signaling pathways in the cell can “activate”.
When it’s “activated” long enough, the genetic information in a strand of DNA is copied (= transcription) into a new molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA). Thereby, DNA safely and stably stores genetic material in the nuclei of cells as a reference or template for new protein synthesis. These are required for lasting structural changes.
cAMP response element binding protein (CREB)
What is released during stress and interacts with glutamatergic synaptic function and can interfere with synaptic plasticity? This can be beneficial with moderate stress but leads to dysfunction when stress becomes chronic. (i.e., learning)
Glucocorticoids (cortisol)
What includes structural (= physical) changes following (short-lived) functional changes, specifically, sustained activity at metabotropic receptors and the activation of the protein synthesis cascade involving second messengers?
The cAMP pathways is among the best understood second-messenger signaling pathways.
Synaptic plasticity
What are released during states of motivation and attention, boost synaptic plasticity?
Dopamine and ACh
What is released during chronic stress, depresses synaptic plasticity?
Cortisol
What can impact neurotransmitter function and long-term synaptic changes?
Pathology or Neurotoxins (drugs)
How can Pathology or Neurotoxins (drugs) impact neurotransmitter function and long-term synaptic changes?
- Blocking neurotransmitter release
- Blocking neurotransmitter sites
- Drug agonists
- Blocking neurotransmitter reuptake or metabolism
What is a deadly condition that results from exposure to the spores produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum? Toxic spores can be found in the soil, contaminated foods, or water. The toxin itself is one of the most potent agents known to man - exposure to concentrations as low as 2ng/kg is lethal. The most common symptoms include muscle weakness or paralysis, especially the muscles of the face or the limbs. For about 5% of people who develop this disease, death results from paralysis due to respiratory failure.
It’s known to selectively cleave the proteins that comprise the SNARE complex. There are a few specific types of this toxin with slightly different intracellular targets, but the result is the same on the molecular level: prevention of vesicular fusion eliminating neurotransmitter signals.
Despite being one of the deadliest toxins so far identified, millions of people pay to have a preparation of toxin called “Botox” injected into their face. For most, the injection of botox is a cosmetic procedure that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles by paralyzing the muscles. This toxin is also used medically for conditions resulting from excessive neurotransmitter release, such as muscle spasms, excessive sweating, or migraine.
Botulism
What are linked to numerous neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression (serotonin), anxiety disorders (serotonin), and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or schizophrenia (dopamine, serotonin, GABA)?
Impairments in neurotransmitter production and receptor function
Nicotine
MDMA/ecstasy
Benzodiazepines
THC/cannabis
What are two examples of stimulants?
Nicotine
MDMA/ecstasy
