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brain and behaviour > module 5: Neurotransmitters > Flashcards

module 5: Neurotransmitters Flashcards

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1
Q

Where does the substance exist?

A

In presynaptic axon terminals

Refers to the location of neurotransmitters before they are released into the synaptic cleft.

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2
Q

What triggers the release of the substance?

A

When an action potential reaches the axon terminal

Action potentials are electrical signals that travel along the axon.

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3
Q

What is present on the postsynaptic membrane?

A

Specific receptors that recognize the substance

These receptors are critical for the binding of neurotransmitters.

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4
Q

What happens when the substance is experimentally applied?

A

Produces changes in the postsynaptic cell

This indicates the functional role of neurotransmitters in signaling.

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5
Q

What is the effect of blocking the release of the substance?

A

Prevents activity in the postsynaptic cell despite activity in the presynaptic cell

This highlights the importance of neurotransmitter release for communication between neurons.

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6
Q

What can drugs interfere with in the presynaptic neuron?

A

Neurotransmitter synthesis

This can lead to altered signaling in the nervous system.

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7
Q

How do drugs affect the rate of neurotransmitter release?

A

They can alter the rate of release

This can modify communication between neurons.

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8
Q

What is one way drugs can impact neurotransmitter action at the postsynaptic neuron?

A

Prevent a neurotransmitter from being removed

This can cause prolonged effects of neurotransmitters.

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9
Q

What is another effect drugs can have on neurotransmitters at the postsynaptic neuron?

A

Prevent a neurotransmitter from binding to a receptor

This can block the intended effects of neurotransmitters.

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10
Q

In behavioral neuroscience, how are drugs defined?

A

Chemicals that change the ‘normal’ function of neurotransmitters at the synapse

This indicates their role in modifying behavior and brain function.

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11
Q

What is affinity in pharmacology?

A

Degree of chemical attraction between drug and receptor

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12
Q

What does high affinity mean in relation to drug binding?

A

Binds selectively even at low doses and stays bound for a relatively longer time

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13
Q

Define efficacy in the context of pharmacology.

A

The extent to which the drug activates the receptor

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14
Q

What type of efficacy do agonists have?

A

High efficacy

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15
Q

What type of efficacy do antagonists have?

A

Low efficacy

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16
Q

What is a neurotransmitter’s role in activating an ionotropic receptor?

A

A neurotransmitter may activate an ionotropic receptor, also called a ligand-gated ion channel, at some synapses

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17
Q

What does the activation of an ionotropic receptor open?

A

An ion channel to affect the postsynaptic cell’s membrane potential

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18
Q

True or False: An ionotropic receptor is also known as a ligand-gated ion channel.

A

True

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19
Q

Fill in the blank: A neurotransmitter may activate an _______ receptor at some synapses.

A

ionotropic

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20
Q

What effect does the opening of an ion channel have on the postsynaptic cell?

A

It affects the postsynaptic cell’s membrane potential

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21
Q

What type of receptor may a neurotransmitter activate at a synapse?

A

Metabotropic receptor

Metabotropic receptors are a type of receptor that, when activated, initiate a cascade of cellular events rather than directly opening ion channels.

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22
Q

What do metabotropic receptors activate?

A

G proteins

G proteins are guanine nucleotide-binding proteins that play a critical role in transmitting signals from a variety of stimuli outside a cell to its interior.

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23
Q

What is one effect of G proteins when activated by metabotropic receptors?

A

They open other ion channels

Opening other ion channels can lead to changes in the cell’s membrane potential and overall cellular activity.

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24
Q

What changes can occur in the cell due to metabotropic receptor activation?

A

Other changes in the cell

These changes can include alterations in gene expression, enzyme activity, and other cellular functions.

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25
True or False: The same neurotransmitter can activate different types of receptors at different synapses.
True ## Footnote This highlights the versatility of neurotransmitters in modulating various physiological responses.
26
What are amino acids in the context of neurotransmitters?
Building blocks of proteins
27
Name four amino acid neurotransmitters.
* Glutamate * Aspartate * Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) * Glycine
28
Which amino acid neurotransmitters are excitatory?
* Glutamate * Aspartate
29
Which amino acid neurotransmitters are inhibitory?
* Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) * Glycine
30
What type of receptors do glutamate and aspartate bind to?
Ionotropic receptors
31
What is the example of an ionotropic receptor mentioned?
NMDA receptor
32
What happens when glutamate binds to an NMDA receptor?
It is fast acting and can increase the likelihood the cell will fire
33
True or False: The receptor for a neurotransmitter must have the same name as the neurotransmitter.
False
34
What are the two types of receptors that GABA can bind to?
* Ionotropic (GABAa) * Metabotropic (GABAb)
35
What is the challenge mentioned regarding the neurotransmitter system?
An explosion of names that can be very difficult to master
36
What is the main focus when studying neurotransmitters for understanding behavior?
Principles and key examples
37
What is the most prevalent excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian nervous system?
Glutamate ## Footnote Glutamate is derived from our diet and is crucial for various neuro processes.
38
What is one neuro process that NMDA receptors are important for?
Long term potentiation ## Footnote This process is central to learning.
39
What is the term for the damage to neural tissue caused by glutamate during a stroke?
Excitotoxicity ## Footnote This occurs when glutamate is released in large quantities, leading to over excitation and cell death.
40
How does glutamate contribute to excitotoxicity?
It starts a cascading positive feedback loop of glutamate release ## Footnote This results in over excitation and eventually cell death.
41
What role does glutamate play in consciousness?
It is important for keeping us conscious ## Footnote Some drugs that act as anaesthetics are agonists for glutamate receptors.
42
True or False: Foods can be considered psychoactive substances.
True ## Footnote By some definitions, the effects of diet on neuro processes are significant.
43
Fill in the blank: _______ is released in large quantities by neurons during a stroke.
Glutamate
44
What should one be cautious about regarding smart foods or supplements?
Do not take advertising claims at face value ## Footnote Question claims that seem too straightforward and easy.
45
What is a key characteristic of glutamate's role in the nervous system?
It is an excitatory neurotransmitter ## Footnote This means it promotes the firing of neurons and is essential for various brain functions.
46
What are amines in the context of neurotransmitters?
Modified amino acids ## Footnote Amines serve as neurotransmitters in the nervous system.
47
What is the first neurotransmitter to be identified?
Acetylcholine (ACh) ## Footnote ACh was the first neurotransmitter discovered in scientific research.
48
Where is acetylcholine synthesized?
In the axon terminal ## Footnote ACh is synthesized from an amino acid at the axon terminal of neurons.
49
What type of neurons synthesize acetylcholine?
Cholinergic neurons ## Footnote These neurons are responsible for the production of acetylcholine.
50
What type of neurotransmitter is acetylcholine?
Excitatory neurotransmitter ## Footnote Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood of activity in post-synaptic cells.
51
What happens to acetylcholine neurons in Alzheimer's disease?
They are lost ## Footnote The loss of acetylcholine neurons is linked to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.
52
Acetylcholine is implicated in which cognitive functions?
Learning and memory ## Footnote Acetylcholine plays a crucial role in learning and memory processes in the central nervous system.
53
Fill in the blank: Acetylcholine is synthesized in the _______.
axon terminal
54
True or False: Acetylcholine is a type of inhibitory neurotransmitter.
False ## Footnote ACh is classified as an excitatory neurotransmitter.
55
What is the relationship between cholinergic neurons and the central nervous system?
They project to various areas in the central nervous system ## Footnote Cholinergic neurons have specific pathways and targets within the central nervous system.
56
What are the two types of receptors for acetylcholine?
Nicotinic and muscarinic
57
What type of receptors are nicotinic receptors?
Ionotropic and excitatory
58
What is the primary function of nicotinic receptors in the body?
Used by muscles
59
Why are nicotinic receptors called nicotinic?
They are receptors for nicotine
60
What is a common antagonist that causes paralysis by inhibiting signals to muscles?
Curare
61
How can nicotine cause paralysis?
By blocking nicotinic receptors in large quantities
62
What type of receptors are muscarinic receptors?
Metabotropic
63
Are muscarinic receptors excitatory, inhibitory, or both?
Both
64
What are two drugs that block muscarinic receptors?
Atropine and scopolamine
65
What is one common use of drugs that block muscarinic receptors?
As an antiemetic to reduce nausea and vomiting
66
What cognitive problems can atropine and scopolamine cause?
Memory loss, blurred vision, and drowsiness
67
Fill in the blank: Nicotinic receptors are mostly _______.
Ionotropic
68
True or False: Muscarinic receptors act faster than nicotinic receptors.
False
69
Fill in the blank: Atropine and scopolamine can also be known as _______.
Devil’s breath
70
What are monoamines?
Monoamines are neurotransmitters made of a single amine or a single modified amino acid. ## Footnote They have metabotropic receptors.
71
What are the two types of monoamines?
The two types of monoamines are: * Catecholamines * Indoleamines ## Footnote These types are distinguished based on the shape of the amine.
72
Name three neurotransmitters that are catecholamines.
The catecholamines include: * Dopamine * Epinephrine * Norepinephrine ## Footnote These neurotransmitters play significant roles in various physiological functions.
73
True or False: Monoamines have ionotropic receptors.
False ## Footnote Monoamines have metabotropic receptors.
74
Fill in the blank: Monoamines are a subgroup of the _______ family.
Amine family ## Footnote Monoamines are derived from a single amine or modified amino acid.
75
What is dopamine primarily known as?
A neurotransmitter ## Footnote Dopamine has specific effects on the body, contributing to its fame.
76
How many dopamine producing neurons are present in the human brain?
About 1 million out of 80 to 90 billion neurons ## Footnote This indicates that dopamine producing neurons are relatively rare.
77
In which two pathways are dopamine producing neurons found?
* Mesostriatal pathway * Mesolimbocortical pathway ## Footnote These pathways are crucial for different functions in the central nervous system.
78
What is the consequence of neuron loss in the mesostriatal pathway?
Loss of motor control ## Footnote This is observed in conditions like Parkinson's disease.
79
What is the role of dopamine in motor control?
Important for control of muscles ## Footnote Dopamine's role in motor control is highlighted by its effects on movement restoration.
80
What type of drugs have been discovered to help restore movement in patients?
Drugs that increase dopamine availability in the CNS ## Footnote These drugs have been pivotal for patients with severe motor control issues.
81
What is the role of the mesolimbocortical pathway?
Involved in reward and reinforcement ## Footnote This pathway contributes to habits and behaviors related to motivation.
82
True or False: Dopamine is solely responsible for habits we want to change.
False ## Footnote While dopamine is involved, attributing all habits to it is overly simplistic.
83
Fill in the blank: Dopamine is known for its role in _______.
[reward and reinforcement] ## Footnote This association contributes to dopamine's fame in behavioral psychology.
84
What is the real name of serotonin?
5 hydroxytryptamine ## Footnote Serotonin is also known by its abbreviation 5HT.
85
Where do most neurons that synthesize serotonin originate?
Raphe nuclei ## Footnote The raphe nuclei are clusters of nuclei located in the brainstem.
86
How many serotonergic neurons are there approximately?
About 200,000 ## Footnote Despite their small number, serotonergic neurons have a significant impact on quality of life.
87
Why is serotonin famous?
It regulates the role of serotonin in the CNS and is involved in antidepressant drugs ## Footnote Most of the better antidepressant drugs target serotonin.
88
What are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors also known as?
SSRIs ## Footnote SSRIs are a class of drugs that increase serotonin levels in the brain.
89
What is the mechanism of action of Prozac?
It slows down the clearance of serotonin from the synaptic cleft ## Footnote Prozac inhibits the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron.
90
Fill in the blank: Serotonin is also called _______.
5HT
91
True or False: Serotonergic neurons are abundant in number.
False ## Footnote There are only about 200,000 serotonergic neurons.
92
What is the effect of Prozac on serotonin molecules?
It allows serotonin molecules to hang around longer in the synaptic cleft ## Footnote This increases the chance of serotonin binding again to the postsynaptic neuron.
93
What is the significance of serotonin in relation to antidepressants?
Most antidepressant drugs regulate serotonin in the CNS ## Footnote This regulation can lead to improved mood and quality of life.
94
Name a well-known antidepressant that is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
Prozac
95
What is the impact of serotonergic neurons despite their low numbers?
They have a large impact on our quality of life.
96
What is another name for noradrenaline?
Norepinephrine ## Footnote Noradrenaline is referred to as norepinephrine in the USA and noradrenaline in the UK.
97
What type of receptors do all CNS NE/NA receptors belong to?
Metabotropic ## Footnote Metabotropic receptors are a type of receptor that indirectly influences the activity of other proteins through a second messenger.
98
Which neurons primarily release norepinephrine?
Most ganglionic neurons in the sympathetic, peripheral nervous system ## Footnote Ganglionic neurons are part of the autonomic nervous system and are responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system to the periphery.
99
What system is responsible for preparing the body for action?
Sympathetic nervous system ## Footnote The sympathetic nervous system is one of the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system, the other being the parasympathetic nervous system.
100
What physiological responses does noradrenaline influence during fight or flight?
* Increases heart rate * Increases respiratory activity ## Footnote These responses are part of the body's acute stress response, preparing it for emergency situations.
101
True or False: Noradrenaline is only known by one name.
False ## Footnote Noradrenaline is known as norepinephrine in the USA and noradrenaline in the UK.
102
Fill in the blank: Noradrenaline is released by most _______ neurons in the sympathetic nervous system.
ganglionic ## Footnote Ganglionic neurons are essential for the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system.
103
What is a characteristic of noradrenergic cells?
They produce noradrenaline ## Footnote Noradrenergic cells are involved in various functions, including mood regulation and response to stress.
104
What common feeling is associated with the release of noradrenaline?
Fear ## Footnote The release of noradrenaline during stressful situations can lead to heightened awareness and physical responses such as an increased heart rate.
105
What are we primarily learning about in this lecture?
A greatest hits compilation of neurotransmitters ## Footnote The lecture focuses on key neurotransmitters rather than an exhaustive list.
106
Which type of neurotransmitters are being skipped over in this lecture?
Peptides, including opioid peptides ## Footnote Opioid peptides are noted for their behavioral neuroscience context.
107
What type of neurotransmitter are we considering that is a newer discovery?
Gas neurotransmitter ## Footnote Water soluble gases are considered neurotransmitters despite not fitting traditional definitions.
108
What is an example of a gas neurotransmitter mentioned in the text?
Nitric oxide ## Footnote Nitric oxide is distinct from nitrous oxide, or laughing gas.
109
How is nitric oxide different from other neurotransmitters?
Not produced in the axon of the presynaptic neuron, not stored in vesicles, and doesn't bind to receptors ## Footnote It diffuses out of the presynaptic neuron's membrane immediately upon production.
110
Where is nitric oxide primarily produced?
In the dendrite ## Footnote This differentiates it from traditional neurotransmitters which are produced in the axon.
111
What does nitric oxide do once it enters the target cell?
Acts similarly to a metabotropic receptor ## Footnote This allows it to influence cellular processes in a manner akin to traditional neurotransmitter actions.
112
What unique role can gases like nitric oxide play in neurotransmission?
Act as a retrograde transmitter ## Footnote Retrograde transmitters travel back to the presynaptic neuron to regulate neurotransmitter release.
113
What effect does nitric oxide have on glutamate in neurons involved in learning?
Increases the release of glutamate ## Footnote This suggests a role in learning processes.

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