CNS Pharmacology I: Pharmacological Modulation of CNS Neurotransmission Flashcards
TRUE OR FALSE:
Any neuron whose cell body or synapse is outside the brain or spinal cord is part of the CNS?
False.
It is the PNS
Where are the cell bodies of α-motor neurons located?
In the spine
* therefore part of the PNS
What are the FOUR major cell types of the CNS?
- Neurons
- Astrocytes
- Microglia
- Oligodendrocytes
How do EXCITATORY neurotransmitters affect the post-synaptic cell?
- Depolarise recipient cell
- Reduce negative charge of cell (K+ / Na+ ions)
How do INHIBITORY neurotransmitters affect the post-synaptic cell?
- Hyperpolarise recipient cell
- Increase negative charge of cell (Cl- ions)
What are the SIX requirements for neurotransmitters?
- Be present in a nerve terminal
- Be released from a nerve terminal
- Synthesised by enzymes present in the nerve terminal
- Be enzymatically degraded
- Produce a physiological response
- Be selectively blocked
What are the FIVE major steps in the process of chemical transmission of neurotransmitters?
- Biosynthesis
- Transport & Storage
- Release of transmitter
- Receptor site binding
- Inactivation mechanism
What are the SEVEN classes of neurotransmitters?
- Monoamines
- Amino Acids
- Acetylcholine
- Purines
- Neuropeptides
- Diffusible Gases
- Lipids
What are the THREE types of Monoamines?
- Catecholamines
- Tryptamines
- Histamine
What are the THREE types of Catecholamines?
- Dopamine
- Noradrenaline
- Adrenaline
What are the TWO types of Tryptamines?
- Serotonin (5-HT)
- Melatonin
What is the general structure of Monoamine neurotransmitters?
One amino group (-NH2) connected to an aromatic ring by a 2 carbon chain
What are the TWO types of Amino Acid neurotransmitter?
- Excitatory (EAA)
- Inhibitory (IAA)
What are the TWO Excitatory Amino Acid neurotransmitters?
- Glutamate
- Aspartate
What are the TWO Inhibitory Amino Acid neurotransmitters?
- GABA
- Glycine
What is the duration of an action potential and the amplitude of each?
- DURATION = 2ms
- AMPLITUDE = -70 to +40mV
What are the steps for neurotransmitter release at the Pre-Synapse?
- AP arrives at the nerve terminal
- Nerve terminal membrane is depolarised
- Depolarisation causes regulated Ca2+ channels to open
- Ca2+ activates enzymes and proteins in the nerve terminal
- Synaptic vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane and release their contents into the synaptic cleft by exocytosis
