Neurotransmitters

Question 0

Dopamine

Answer 0

Main effects: movement, reward

Released when you do something you enjoy (includes addiction)

Question 1

What are the monoamine n.t.’s?

Answer 1

Dopamine, serotonin, & norepinephrine; important in general mood; all 3 must be balanced to keep you normal

Question 2

Norepinephrine

Answer 2

Main effects: memory, attentiveness, sexual behavior, appetite
Starts out as dopamine
Released if you’re scared
Involved in drives

Question 3

Serotonin

Answer 3

Main effects: eating, sleeping, arousal

If you have low serotonin, you’re more likely to have violent, aggressive acts

Question 4

Glycine

Answer 4

Inhibitory n.t. in spinal cord

Ionotropic for chloride (Cl)

Question 5

Endocannabinoids

Answer 5

Inhibitory n.t. for potassium

Question 6

What are the 3 hormones as n.t’s?

Answer 6

Estrogen, testosterone, & cortisol

Question 7

Estrogen

Answer 7

Is neuroprotective
Can depolarize neurons in hippocampus
Encourages neuronal dev. throughout brain
Low estrogen levels associated with depression and anxiety

Question 8

Testosterone

Answer 8

Neuroprotective at normal levels (too much = apoptosis)

High testosterone levels associated with aggression; low levels associated with depression

Question 9

Cortisol

Answer 9

Released during times of stress
Low levels increase synaptic release; chronically high levels decrease release
Can be neurotoxic via excitotoxicity (death of neurons by too much excitement)

Question 10

EPSP

Answer 10

Excitatory Post Synaptic Potential
Cell becoming slightly depolarized (becomes excited); potential to have an action potential later @ axon) (ionotropic effects)

Question 11

IPSP

Answer 11

Inhibitory Post Synaptic Potential

Cell becomes slightly more negative (hyperpolarized)

Question 12

Synaptic Integration

Answer 12

The dendrite summates all info.
If more +, it depolarizes. (can lead to action potential)
If more -, it hyperpolarizes.

Question 13

Drug Mechanisms

Answer 13

Can do one or more:

1. Altering synthesis
2. Causes vesicles to leak nt’s
3. Increases release
4. Decreases reuptake**
5. Blocking breakdown into inactive chemical
6. Directly stimulating or blocking postsynaptic receptors (agonist or antagonist)

Question 14

Dopamine in Psychopathology

Answer 14

Pleasure, pain, avoidance, sense of inner & outer reality

Question 15

Serotonin in Psychopathology

Answer 15

Cognitive impulse control; relaxation

Question 16

Norepinephrine in Psychopathology

Answer 16

Energy, socialization, vigilance, concentration