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Flashcards in Neurotransmitters Deck (11)
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1
Q

What are the main categories of neurotransmitters? List examples.

A
  1. Biogenic amines. Ex. acetylcholine and monoamines. Smaller than neuropeptides.
  2. Neuropeptides. Ex. oxytocin. Bigger, multiple AA linked together by peptide bonds.
2
Q

What criteria are used for ID a neurotransmitter?

A
  1. Neurotransmitter present in presynaptic terminal
  2. NT is released upon action potential.
  3. NT receptors activated.
  4. Application of transmitter, agonists, or antagonists
3
Q

Describe the metabolic and cellular pools of brain glutamate.

A

Glutamate shuttle with the astrocyte.

4
Q

Define ionotropic and metabotrobic.

A
  • Ionotropic are fast ligand gated ion channels

- Metabotropic are slow G-protein coupled receptors

5
Q

What are the subtypes of glutamate receptors?

A
  • Na+ channels (AMPA, NMDA,Kainate)

- 2nd messenger linked receptor: Quisqualate B

6
Q

What are the key features of the NMDA receptor?

A

In addition to being a sodium channel, it is also a calcium and glycine channel. Involved in memory.

7
Q

How are the glutamate receptors involved in ischemic cell damage?

A

In absence of oxygen/energy as in stroke, neurons will release their glutamate stores. Glutamate binds to glutamate receptors on cells, resulting in a massive influx of calcium. This leads to cell death as well as a large influx of water due to the osmotic gradient..Brain edema. Brain trauma and stroke leads to brain edema thru this pathway.

8
Q

Name some excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. How does their mechanism of action vary?

A

Excitatory: glutamate. Inhibitory: GABA, glycine

Inhibitory usually act via metabotropic receptors whereas excitatory act via ionotropic receptors.

9
Q

How is the neurotransmitter glutamate inactivated?

A

Astrocyte pulls it out of synaptic cleft.

10
Q

What neurodegenerative disorders involve glutamate receptor activation?

A

?

11
Q

What is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in brain?

A

GABA