Neurotransmitters: Acetylcholine & Glutamate

A neurological disorder where the body's immune system attacks acetylcholine receptors at neuromuscular junctions, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue.

A neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in muscle contraction, learning, and memory.

The breakdown of acetylcholine by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which limits its duration of action.

A class of drugs that inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to increased acetylcholine levels and improved muscle function in conditions like Myasthenia Gravis.

A neurotransmitter that plays a key role in learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity in the brain.

A type of glutamate receptor that is crucial for learning and memory, requiring both glutamate and glycine for activation.

A progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes.

A common treatment approach for Alzheimer's disease that aims to increase acetylcholine levels in the brain, potentially improving cognitive function.

An enzyme that synthesizes acetylcholine from choline and acetyl coenzyme A. It's present in cholinergic neurons.

The precursor to acetylcholine, found in high concentrations in the presynaptic terminal.

A cholinergic receptor that is activated by acetylcholine and nicotine.

A cholinergic receptor that is activated by acetylcholine and muscarine.

The breakdown of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase into choline and acetate.

A neurotransmitter that's produced and released by cholinergic neurons.

The junction between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber. It's where acetylcholine is released to trigger muscle contraction.

A chemical that binds to a receptor and activates it, mimicking the effects of the natural neurotransmitter.

A chemical that binds to a receptor and blocks its activation, preventing the natural neurotransmitter from working.

A type of acetylcholine receptor found in muscle cells, responsible for muscle contraction.

A type of acetylcholine receptor found in neurons, involved in neurotransmission and signaling.

A type of acetylcholine receptor found in various tissues, including the heart, glands, and smooth muscles.

A powerful neurotoxin that blocks the release of acetylcholine, causing muscle paralysis.

A condition caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to tremors, rigidity, and movement difficulties.

Antimuscarinic drugs are medications that block the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors. They are used to treat conditions like urinary incontinence and Parkinson's disease.

Excessive use of antimuscarinic drugs can lead to cognitive impairment, including difficulty thinking and remembering. In severe cases, it can cause delirium, a state of confusion and disorientation.

Delirium is a serious medical condition characterized by a sudden change in mental status, including confusion, disorientation, and agitation.

Tachycardia is a condition where the heart beats faster than normal.

Autonomic symptoms are changes in bodily functions that are not under voluntary control, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating.

Early onset Alzheimer's disease is a rare and aggressive form of the disease that affects individuals at a younger age, often in their 40s or 50s.

Cognitive decline refers to a gradual loss of cognitive abilities, such as memory, thinking, and problem-solving.

Executive functions are higher-level cognitive skills that allow us to plan, organize, and manage our time and actions.

The breakdown of glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain; occurs via specific enzymes like glutamine synthetase.

The process by which glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, is synthesized from glutamine, using the enzyme glutaminase.

A type of glutamate receptor that is involved in synaptic plasticity; activated by the neurotransmitter glutamate.

A type of Alzheimer's disease that starts at a younger age, typically before 65.

A decline in cognitive function and memory, with changes in language and behavior.

A variant of Alzheimer's disease where the primary symptoms are related to problems with visuospatial skills, depth perception, and navigation.

A group of disorders affecting the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to behavioral, language, and personality changes.

A type of dementia characterized by fluctuations in cognition, hallucinations, and Parkinsonism (tremors, rigidity, etc.)

A drug used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease by regulating the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.

A cognitive assessment tool used to measure different mental abilities, including memory, language, attention, and orientation.

The process of recycling choline back into the presynaptic terminal, where it's used to create more acetylcholine.

A test that evaluates the function of acetylcholine receptors in the neuromuscular junction using drugs like neostigmine or edrophonium. These drugs inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine, increasing its levels in the synapse. If the receptors are working properly, muscle strength should improve after the injection of these drugs.

A neurotoxin that inhibits the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. When injected into a muscle, it causes paralysis and relaxation.

An antagonist of NMDA receptors. It blocks the action of glutamate at these receptors, leading to decreased neuronal activity.

The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. It's involved in learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity.