Lecture 13+14 AI generated Flashcards
Describe the concepts of wanting, liking, and reward/hedonics in eating behavior and the main neurochemical mechanisms involved.
Wanting refers to the motivation to seek out rewards, liking is the pleasure experienced from rewards, and reward/hedonics involve the brain’s response to pleasurable stimuli. Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin play key roles in these processes.
Describe the physiological role of the endocannabinoid system, particularly in relation to appetite and satiety.
The endocannabinoid system is involved in regulating appetite, food intake, and energy balance. It influences the sensations of hunger and fullness, impacting overall food consumption.
Explain the neuro-anatomical circuits (serotonin & dopamine) involved in rewarding and define the term ‘hedonic hotspot’.
Neuro-anatomical circuits involving serotonin and dopamine play a crucial role in the brain’s reward system. A ‘hedonic hotspot’ refers to specific brain regions that are particularly sensitive to pleasure and reward signals.
Demonstrate basic knowledge on endocannabinoids and their relationship to fatty acid intake.
Endocannabinoids, such as AEA and 2-AG, are lipid-based neurotransmitters that play a role in regulating fatty acid intake and metabolism.
Describe why therapeutic options to reduce appetite via modulation of the endocannabinoid system have failed so far.
Therapeutic attempts to target the endocannabinoid system for appetite reduction have faced challenges due to the system’s broad functions and the complexity of interactions with various physiological processes.
Explain the significance of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
CB1 and CB2 receptors are key components of the endocannabinoid system, present in different parts of the body and involved in regulating various physiological functions such as appetite, pain, and inflammation.
Describe the process of instant synthesis in the context of neurotransmitter release.
Instant synthesis involves a retrograde signal triggering the synthesis of neurotransmitters upon the arrival of an action potential. This leads to the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, binding to the postsynaptic cell, and triggering the formation of endocannabinoids through depolarization.
Do endocannabinoids bind to the same cell, another cell, or astrocytes for signaling purposes?
Endocannabinoids can bind to the same cell (non-retrograde signaling), another cell (retrograde signaling), or to an astrocyte (neuron-astrocyte signaling) for signaling purposes.
Define CB1 and CB2 receptors in the context of endocannabinoids.
CB1 receptors are mainly present in the brain, while CB2 receptors are expressed on glial cells.
How are endocannabinoids degraded in the brain?
Endocannabinoids are degraded in extracellular spaces, such as the synaptic cleft.
Describe the distribution of CB1 receptors in the body.
CB1 receptors are mainly abundant in the brain.
Do cannabinoid receptors get activated by specific plant compounds?
Yes, cannabinoid receptors can be activated by specific plant compounds.
Describe the role of dopamine in Parkinson’s disease.
Dopamine is involved in Parkinson’s disease where the dopamine neurons in the basal ganglia degenerate. Losing over 70% of these neurons leads to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
Define the function of serotonin in the body.
Serotonin is involved in regulating mood, happiness, feelings of well-being, wound healing, vasoconstriction, and sexual function. A deficiency in serotonin can lead to conditions like depression, compulsive disorders, anxiety, and panic.
How does cocaine affect dopamine levels in the brain?
Cocaine blocks the dopamine transporter, binding to the re-uptake receptor and causing a high level of dopamine in the synaptic cleft. This amplifies the intensity of its effects.
