Neurotransmitters

Question 0

GABA

Answer 0

Main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain
Receptors have Cl channels
Barbituates and benzodiazepines act here
There are also GABAb channels which are GPCRs.

Question 1

Glutamate

Answer 1

Excitatory neurotransmitter
Receptors inotropic or metabotropic
Inotropic have ion channels (AMPA, NMDA, kainate)
Metabotropic are GPCRs

Question 2

Glycine

Answer 2

Inhibitory neurotransmitter
Released by inhibitory interneurones in the spinal cord
Receptors have integral chloride channels.

Question 3

ACh

Answer 3

Neuromuscular junction
Ganglionic synapse in ANS
Post ganglionic parasympathetic
Centrally, acts at nicotinic and muscarinic receptors in the brain-mainly excitatory
Involved in learning, arousal, memory, motor control.

Question 4

Dopamine

Answer 4

Pathways involved in motor control and mood/arousal

Question 5

Noradrenaline

Answer 5

Transmitter at post ganglionic synapse in SNS
Acts as a neurotransmitter in the CNS
Cell bodies in pons and medulla, pathways diffuse in brain
Most NA comes from the locus ceruleus - decreased in sleep, activated in arousal.

Question 6

Serotonin

Answer 6

Similar distribution to NA neurones
Involved in sleep, wakefulness and mood.
Vomiting centre in brain stem.