Week 4: Neurotransmitters

Question 1

Describe methods of localizing neurotransmitters by immunocytochemistry

Answer 1

1. Molecule is chemically purified then injected into bloodstream or under skin of animal
2. Immune response stimulated
3. Antibodies bind to molecule (antigen)
4. Antibodies collected
5. Antibodies tagged with colourful marker
6. Antibodies applied to brain tissue - cells containing the molecule will become coloured

Question 2

Describe the action of the β-adrenergic receptor as an example of a modulatory neurotransmitter receptor.

Answer 2

k

Question 3

List the three classes of neurotransmitters

Answer 3

Amino acids, amines, and peptides

Question 4

The neurotransmitter defines the neurotransmitter system. What molecular machinery is needed in the system?

Answer 4

synthetic machinery, packaging,

reuptake and degradation, and action (postsynaptic)

Question 5

Describe methods of localizing neurotransmitters by measuring neurotransmitter release in brain slices.

Answer 5

Brain slice kept alive in vitro. Stimulate synapses, collect and measure released chemicals.
New methods such as optogenetics now used.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT true regarding in situ hybridization?

a. Directly labels the neurotransmitter candidate
b. Involves the use of a chemically labelled probe
c. Localize synthesis of protein or peptide to a cell
d. Fluorescence in situ hybridization is also known as FISH

Answer 6

a. Directly labels the neurotransmitter candidate

Correction: it detects mRNA (synthesis machinery)

Question 7

Which of the following describes immunocytochemistry? Choose the correct option.

A. A method of localizing specific mRNA transcripts for proteins
B. The use of antibodies to visualize specific molecules within the brain cells
C. The use of radioactivity to localize neurotransmitters and their synthesizing enzymes
D. A method used to assess the postsynaptic actions of a transmitter candidate

Answer 7

B.

The use of antibodies to visualize specific molecules within the brain cells

Question 8

What does microiontophoresis involve?

Answer 8

It assess postsynaptic actions by dissolving molecule in solution that gives it a net charge. Solution is placed in micropipette. Solution is released by running electrical current or pulse of high pressure through pipette to eject molecule.

This to to check for synaptic mimicry.

Question 9

AMPA and NMDA receptors are receptor subtypes for:

a. ACh
b. Glycine
c. Glutamate
d. GABA

Answer 9

c. Glutamate

Question 10

List the three approaches for studying receptor subtypes.

Answer 10

Neuropharmacological analysis of synaptic transmission
Ligan-binding methods
Molecular analysis of receptor proteins

Question 11

ACh receptors include (Select all that apply):

a. AMPA
b. NMDA
c. Nicotinic
d. Kainate
e. Muscarinic

Answer 11

c. Nicotinic

e. Muscarinic

Question 12

Which of the following is CORRECT regarding ligand-binding methods?

a. Identifies when two or more transmitters released from one nerve terminal
b. Uses optogenetics
c. Sensitive detectors of chemicals and voltage
d. Ligand can be agonist, antagonist, or chemical neurotransmitter.

Answer 12

d. Ligand can be agonist, antagonist, or chemical neurotransmitter.

Question 13

Curare and atropine are antagonists for:

a. ACh
b. Glycine
c. Glutamate
d. GABA
e. Adrenaline
f. Noradrenaline

Answer 13

a. ACh

Question 14

List the three amino acids neurotransmitters.

Answer 14

GABA
Glutamate (Glu)
Glycine (Gly)

Question 15

List the three criteria for neurotransmitters

Answer 15

– Synthesis and storage in presynaptic neuron
– Released by presynaptic axon terminal
– When applied, mimics postsynaptic cell response
produced by release of neurotransmitter from the
presynaptic neuron

Question 16

Which of the following is a difference in AMPA and NMDA glutamate-gated channels? Choose the correct option.

A. NMDA-gated channels are not permeable to Ca2+.
B. The inward current through AMPA-gated channels is voltage-dependent.
C. The activation of NMDA receptors can cause widespread and lasting changes in the postsynaptic neuron.
D. NMDA-gated channels are permeable to both Na+ and Ca2+.

Answer 16

D. NMDA-gated channels are permeable to both Na+ and Ca2+.

Question 17

Which method of localizing transmitters and transmitter-synthesizing enzymes localizes molecules to cells?

Answer 17

Immunocytochemistry

Question 18

What is Dale’s principle?

Answer 18

A neuron has only one neurotransmitter.

Question 19

Tyrosine is a precursor for which neurotransmitter(s)?

Answer 19

• Dopamine
  – Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
  – Epinephrine (adrenaline)

Question 20

List the six amine neurotransmitters.

Answer 20

Acetylcholine (ACh) 
Dopamine (DA) 
Adrenaline
Noradrenaline (NE)  
Histamine 
Serotonin (5-HT)

Question 21

Two or more transmitters released from one
nerve terminal is known as:

a. Dale’s principle
b. Catecholaminergic
c. Co-transmission
d. Evolution of neurotransmitters
e. Modulation

Answer 21

c. Co-transmission

Question 22

Tryptophan is a precursor for which neurotransmitter(s)?

Answer 22

Serotonin/5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)

Question 23

Which method of localizing transmitters and transmitter-synthesizing enzymes localizes synthesis of protein or peptide to a cell?

Answer 23

In situ hybridization

Question 24

Which of the following receptors is voltage as well
as chemically dependent?

a. GABAA receptor
b. NMDA receptor
c. Muscarinic receptors
d. AMPA receptors
e. nACh receptors

Answer 24

b. NMDA receptor

Question 25

Describe the basic structure of transmitter-gated channels

Answer 25

Pentamer: 5 protein subunits form a pore

Each subunit has 4 transmembrane domains (M1, M2, M3 and M4)

Differentiate between similar ions – Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl-

Sensitive detectors of chemicals and voltage