Units 3 & 4: Neuropsychopharmacology

Question 1

What are 3 examples of monamines?

Answer 1

Serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine

Question 2

What are 3 inhibitory neurotransmitters?

Answer 2

Serotonin, dopamine, GABA

Question 3

Wha are 3 excitatory neurotransmitters?

Answer 3

Norepinephrine, glutamate, acetylcholine

Question 4

What are the 5 subtypes of serotonin receptors?

Answer 4

5-HT1: anti-anxiety
5-HT2: anti-psychotic, some antidepressants
5-HT3: anti-nausea
5-HT4: unknown
5-HTT: transporter, many antidepressants

Question 5

What are the 4 discrete pathways of dopamine?

Answer 5

mesolimbic: limbic systems, motivation, emotions, reward, positive symptoms of schizophrenia
mesocortical: prefrontal cortex, cognition and executive functions, emotions, hypo function leads to cognitive issues and negative symptoms of schizophrenia
nigostriatal: basal ganglia, stimulation and purposeful movement
tuberoinfundibular: infundibular recess, tonically inhibits prolactin release

Question 6

What are the two GABA receptor types?

Answer 6

A and B.
A: receptor activation opens chloride channels, which leads to decreased cell firing, dampening down global CNS activity
B: linked to G-protein coupled second messenger systems

Question 7

What are the 3 mechanisms used to control seizures?

Answer 7

1) stimulate Cl- influx
2) delay Na+ influx
3) delay Ca2+ influx

Question 8

How does the influx of Cl- work and what are some drug examples?

Answer 8

Influx of chloride ions via GABA A receptor. Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital) and benzodiazepines (such as diazepam) are common examples. Benzodiazepines are more commonly used because they have a wider therapeutic window and are used for status epilepticus.