Introduction to the CNS

Question 1

what is the difference between sections of axons that are myelinated vs non-myelinated?

Answer 1

that Na+ channels are at higher concentrations at the nodes of Ranvier

Question 2

what are the 3 mechanisms for termination of NT

NT: neurotransmitter

Answer 2

1. reuptake
2. breakdown by enzymes at synapse or axon terminal
3. autoreceptors on the pre-synaptic terminal that inhibit release of NT

Question 3

what are the factors that play into the response of a neuron?

Answer 3

• type of neurotransmitter
• subtype of receptor it binds to

Question 4

excitatory effects are primarily by…

what is an example?

Answer 4

opening cation channels leading to Na+ influx and depolarization

Glutamate

Question 5

inhibitory effects generally open

give an example.

Answer 5

Cl- channels that hyperpolarize the postsynaptic channel

GABA & Glycine

Question 6

what NT coordinates w/ a cholinergic system?

Answer 6

Ach

Question 7

is Ach excitatory, inhibitory, or both?

Answer 7

BOTH

Question 8

when is Ach excitatory?

Answer 8

when bound to nicotinic receptors

Question 9

when is Ach inhibitory?

Answer 9

when bound to muscarinic receptors

Question 10

what is there a loss of in Alzheimer’s patients?

Answer 10

cholingeric neurons

Question 11

what types of drugs are used in those w/ Alzheimer’s disease?

Answer 11

Procholingeric drugs

Question 12

what types of drugs are used in those w/ Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 12

• anticholinergic drugs
• prodopaminergic drugs

Question 13

what types of drugs are used to treat Achizophrenia and other psychotic disorders?

Answer 13

antidopaminergic drugs

Question 14

what types of drugs can be used to treat anti-depresants?

Answer 14

• pronoradrenergic drugs
• those that increase norepinephrine
• proseotonergic drugs that increase serotonin

Question 15

what types of drugs can be used as anti-psychotics?

Answer 15

• antiserotonergic
• antagonists at 5-HT receptors

Question 16

what types of systems have inhibitory roles that can be used to treat anxiety and insomnia?

Answer 16

GABAergic systems

Question 17

GABA-A receptors are found

Answer 17

postsynaptically on target cells

Question 17

GABA-B receptors are…

Answer 17

presynaptic auto-receptors that regulate the release of neurotransmitters

Question 18

glutamatergic systems are…

Answer 18

stimulatory

Question 19

glutamatergic systems are used for

Answer 19

memory storage/retention

Question 20

what are the 8 drug targets in neurosensory disorders?

Answer 20

1. synthesis of neurotransmitters
2. vesicular packaging
3. Calcium entry through V-gated Ca2+ channels
4. postsynaptic receptor agonists/antagonists/modulators
5. neurotransmitter reuptake
6. neurotransmitter metabolism
7. neurotransmitter releasers
8. action potential generation

Question 21

define Alzheimer’s Disease

Answer 21

progressive mental deterioration w/ memory loss and loss of control of body functions

Question 21

Alzheimer’s is characterized by

Answer 21

plaques and tangles that form in brain tissue

Question 22

why is monotherapy not effective in treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?

Answer 22

b/c Alzheimers involves multiple NT systems

Question 23

what is the cholinergic hypothesis?

Answer 23

memory & learning are associated w/ the cholinergic system so as the system is malfunctioning therapy is directed at enhancing cholinergic function

Question 24

procholinergic drugs are preferred methods of treatments in alzheimer patients; this is done through

Answer 24

- cholingeric receptor agonist - acetylcholinesterase inhibitors | cholinergic can be either muscarinic or nicotinic

Question 25

define Parkinson's Disease?

Answer 25

progressive deterioration of neuromuscular system usually beginning unilaterally and leadinging to bilateral rhythmis tremors, rigidity, difficulty initiating movements and bradykinesia

Question 26

unlike Alzhimer's disease Parkinson's is primarily the loss of function in

Answer 26

a single NT system

Question 27

what is the though about dopamine w/ Parkinson's treatments?

Answer 27

w/o dopamine Ach can have an excitatory effect antagonizing the system and becoming a beneficial treatment

Question 28

what causes cells to fire w/o regulation?

Answer 28

malfunctioning or loss of dopaminergic neurons

Question 29

what is the primary goal within the BBB?

Answer 29

to increase dopamine

Question 30

why does dopamine itself not easily cross the BBB?

Answer 30

b/c of its chemical properties

Question 31

dopamine not being able to cross the BBB leads to the need for a...

Answer 31

Dopamine precursor or prodrug

Question 32

what is an example of a dopamine prodrug that is able to readily cross the BBB where dopamine would be inhibited?

Answer 32

L-Dopa

Question 33

carbidopa inhibits the peripheral metabolism of ________ to ________ by ____________. this increases the amount of ____________ in the brain

Answer 33

- L-Dopa - Dopamine - AADC - L-Dopa/Dopamine