synaptic transmission

Question 1

what is the main excitatory NT

Answer 1

glutamate

Question 2

what are the main inhibitory NTs (3)

Answer 2

GABA, Glycine, Cl-

Question 3

what are the 3 categories of NTs and examples

Answer 3

1. amino acids e.g. GABA, Glutamate, glycine;
2. Amines e.g. Ach, DA, seratonin (5-HT);
3. peptides e.g. somatostatin, CCK

Question 4

ionotropic vs metabolic receptors

Answer 4

ionotropic - fast, direct action on target, short duration;
metabolic - aka g-protein couples -> result in ion channel opening elsewhere

Question 5

what are the 2 main receptors for excitatory NTs (and what does their opening cuase)

Answer 5

1. AMPA (Na+/K+ pump -> ESPS generation);
2. NMDA (Ca2+ influx -> ESPS generation)

Question 6

what can overstimulation of AMPA/NMDA receptoras lead to

Answer 6

epileptic seizures

Question 7

what can over stimulation of GABA receptors lead to

Answer 7

loss of conciousness

Question 8

benzodiazepenes MOA

Answer 8

facilitating the binding of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA at various GABA receptors throughout the CNS => increasing ISPS and inhibition throughout the CNS

Question 9

barbiturates MOA

Answer 9

enchance the action of GABA by incresing the duration GABAergic channels are open for

Question 10

where are 5-HT cell bodies located

Answer 10

midline of the raphe nuclei (in brainstem)

Question 11

where to 5-HT neurons project to

Answer 11

hypothalamus, limbic system, neocortex, spinal chord

Question 12

what conditions is abnormal 5-HT implicated in (2)

Answer 12

depression, bipolar

Question 13

what pharma treatment can be given for 5-HT disorders (2)

Answer 13

MAOIs; SSRIs