Neurotransmitters Flashcards
A patient presents with motor deficits. Based on their history, you suspect they have Parkinson’s disease. What dopamine neurons have likely been lost in this patient?
Substantia nigra dopamine neurons
Norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and histamine are all examples of what class of neurotransmitter?
Biogenic amines / monoamines
What neurotransmitter receptor plays a role in synaptic plasticity and memory?
NMDA receptors
This purine receptor plays a role in mechanosensation and pain.
P2X - ionotrophic
What is the function of GABA as a neurotransmitter?
Inhibitory in the brain
What is the function of the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway?
Motor
What enzyme converts glutamine to glutamate in the pre-synaptic neuron?
Glutaminase
What type of Ach receptors are most common in the brain?
Muscarinic
Endocannabinoids can bind the pre-synaptic neuron via retrograde signaling. What is this effect?
They can affect the release of neurotransmitter from the pre-synaptic neuron.
How are catecholamines mostly cleared from the synaptic cleft?
Reuptake into the pre-synaptic neuron. Remainder is broken down by the liver.
What enzyme is responsible for converting norepinephrine to epinephrine?
PNMT
CNS neurotransmitters, such as Ach and NE, are located where?
Locus coeruleus
What neurotrophin is responsible for decreasing axonal growth and dendritic complexity?
p75
What dopamine pathway controls prolactin release?
Tuboinfundibular
Catecholamines are generated from what molecule?
Tyrosine
This dopamine pathway plays a role in reward & pleasure.
Mesolimbic
True/False. Myasthenia gravis is caused by decreased Ach release.
False. Ach release is normal, however immune cells target and destroy Ach receptors. As such, less receptors are available for Ach binding.
What is an example of a metabotropic purine receptor and its function?
A2A - increases GABA release to facilitate arousal
What receptors are targetted by muscle relaxants?
GABA(B)
These receptors activate G-coupled receptors and have longer-lasting effects.
Metabotrophic
How does an AMDA receptor differ from an NMDA receptor?
An AMDA receptor only allows entry of Na+. The NMDA receptor allows entry of Na+ & Ca+, but is blocked by Mg+. Two action potentials are required to displace the Mg+ and open the channel.
Describe the effects of low and high serotonin levels.
Low serotonin - depression, suicidal ideation, violence
High serotonin - mania, aggressive behavior
What is the first brain structure damaged during Alzheimer’s disease?
Basal forebrain - motor problems likely present before memory loss and behavior change
Where is serotonin produced?
Raphe nuclei
