Neurotransmitter2 Flashcards
What is GABA?
gamma-aminobutyric acid, major inhibitory NT in the brain
GABA is crucial for reducing neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system.
What effects does GABA have when its receptors are activated?
N convulsion, Anxiety, Drowsiness
Activation of GABA receptors leads to hyperpolarization of neurons, reducing their activity.
What are the roles of GABA in pharmacology?
Anti-epileptics, Anxiolytics, Hypnotics
These drugs target GABA receptors to manage various conditions.
What is the function of the Nigrostriatal pathway?
Movement
This pathway is critical for the regulation of movement and is affected in Parkinson’s disease.
What is the role of the Tuberoinfundibular pathway?
Prolactin release
It regulates the secretion of prolactin from the pituitary gland.
What neurotransmitter is associated with the Mesolimbic pathway?
Dopamine
This pathway is linked to mood and reward systems.
What is the relationship between dopamine and psychosis?
Dopamine excess leads to Hallucination, Psychosis
Antipsychotic drugs work by reducing dopamine activity.
What is the primary neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system?
Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine is crucial for the ‘fight or flight’ response.
What are the main types of adrenergic receptors?
- a-Adrenergic receptors
- ß-Adrenergic receptors
These receptors mediate various physiological responses to norepinephrine.
What is the effect of norepinephrine reuptake inhibition?
Increased NE levels, potential antidepressant effect
Inhibiting reuptake can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
Which neurotransmitter is synthesized from Acetyl CoA and choline?
Acetylcholine (ACh)
ACh is important for muscle activation and cognitive functions.
What are the two types of acetylcholine receptors?
- Nicotinic (nAchR)
- Muscarinic (mAchR)
These receptors mediate different physiological responses in the nervous system.
What is the role of acetylcholinesterase?
Degrades acetylcholine at the synapse
This enzyme ensures that ACh does not accumulate excessively in the synaptic cleft.
What does the acronym DUMBELSS stand for in relation to antimuscarinic effects?
- D = Diarrhea
- U = Urinary retention
- M = Miosis
- B = Bronchoconstriction
- E = Emesis (vomiting)
- L = Lacrimation
- S = Salivation
These are the side effects associated with the inhibition of muscarinic receptors.
What is the main effect of dopamine in the Nigrostriatal pathway?
Movement regulation
Disruption in this pathway can lead to movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
What is the main metabolite of dopamine degradation?
Homovanillic acid (HVA)
HVA is used as a marker for dopamine metabolism in the body.
What is the function of the vomiting center in relation to dopamine?
Regulates nausea and vomiting
Dopamine activity in this area can trigger nausea.
What effect does increased norepinephrine have in the CNS?
Can lead to Depression
Low levels of norepinephrine are often associated with depressive disorders.
What type of cancer is associated with Neuroblastoma?
A type of cancer that primarily affects children.
What is Pheochromocytoma?
A tumor of the adrenal gland that can affect catecholamine metabolism.
What is the significance of Tyrosine in metabolism?
It is a precursor for catecholamines and is involved in producing HVA in urine.
What is 5-HT?
5-Hydroxytryptamine, also known as serotonin.
Where is serotonin synthesized?
In neurons and enterochromaffin cells (Gl).
