Retrograde Messengers Flashcards
test 4 material
what are the two types of endocannabinoids and the two types of receptors?
anandamide (AEA) and 2-AG are the two types and CB1 and CB2 are the two types of metabotropic receptors
how are endocannabinoids synthesized?
synthesis starts in response to activity (calcium influx), and takes place in the postsynaptic cell from lipids, synthesized by the enzymes NAPE-PLD and DAGL
how does termination of action of endocannabinoids take place?
AEA is degraded in the post-synapse by FAAH and 2-AG is degraded in the pre-synapse by MAGL
what is the function of endocannabinoids?
act as a negative feedback loop (pre-synaptic cell is Gi coupled and therefore inhibits action potential when endocannabinoids bind), play a role in memory and immune function
what is the pharmacokinetics of THC?
partial direct CBR agonist
how does the synthesis of nitric oxide work?
uses Ca2+ dependent on demand synthesis by NO synthase in the postsynaptic neuron or by endothelial cells in the blood vessels
how does termination of nitric oxide work?
it is decayed by oxidation
what is the function of nitric oxide?
strengthens connections between synapses and therefore plays a role in synaptic plasticity, LTP, learning and memory, as well as Alzheimer’s disease also causes vasodilation
what is the pharmacokinetics of viagra?
indirect nitric oxide agonist
what are neuromodulators?
chemicals that modify the sensitivity of cells to neurotransmitters or regulate the amount of neurotransmitter released (norepinephrine and dopamine)
what are hormones?
chemicals that are secreted by the endocrine glands and that circulate widely throughout the body via the bloodstream (epinephrine)
what are pheromones?
chemicals that are released into the air and affect other members of the same species
