Neurotransmitters & Receptors Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What kind of system is acetylcholine neurotransmitter?

Cholinergic systems (nicotinic and muscarinic receptors).

The equation for acetylcholine neurotransmitter is ___.

Acetyl-coenzyme A + Choline = Acetylcholine = Acetate and Choline.

Describe peripheral use of acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter?

Neuromuscular junction - nicotinic receptors - contraction of muscle. Autonomic nervous system - muscarinic (target) and nicotinic (postganglionic neuron) - regulate visceral function.

Describe central use of acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter?

Both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors; involved in autonomic regulation and selection of objects of attention. Signup and view all the answers

Describe amino acids use as neurotransmitters, which are excitatory/inhibitory?

Main neurotransmitters of CNS. Excitatory = aspartate and glutamate; Inhibitory = glycine and GABA. Signup and view all the answers

Describe glutamate as a neurotransmitter?

Principal fast neurotransmitter related to learning, development, and neuronal death after CNS injury. Signup and view all the answers

Describe glycine as a neurotransmitter?

Inhibits postsynaptic membranes, particularly in brainstem and spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

Describe GABA as a neurotransmitter?

Major inhibitory neurotransmitter in CNS; interneurons in spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different monoamines that act as neurotransmitters?

Dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, histamine. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the monoamines are also catecholamines?

Dopamine and norepinephrine. Signup and view all the answers

How are catecholamines created?

Phenylalanine + Tyrosine = L-DOPA; Dopamine is then converted to norepinephrine, which is converted to epinephrine. Signup and view all the answers

Describe dopamine as a neurotransmitter?

Motor activity (Parkinson's Disease - not enough dopamine), cognition (Schizophrenia - too much dopamine), and motivation (Addiction). Signup and view all the answers

Describe norepinephrine as a neurotransmitter?

Involved in autonomic nervous system (fight or flight, panic disorder), attention, and vigilance. Signup and view all the answers

Describe serotonin as a neurotransmitter?

Regulates blood vessels; low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and suicide; involved in sleep. Signup and view all the answers

Describe histamine as a neurotransmitter?

Concentrated in hypothalamus, regulates hormonal function, has a role in inflammatory response. Signup and view all the answers

Describe peptides (as a whole) as a neurotransmitter?

<ul> <li>Broad category; many different functions; more modulators than neurotransmitters; several families of peptides.</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

If a neuron contains both a neuromodulator and a more traditional neurotransmitter, what happens with a small stimulus vs. a large stimulus?

Large stimulus = both neurotransmitter and neuromodulator are released; small stimulus = only the neurotransmitter is released. Signup and view all the answers

Describe endogenous opioid peptides as a neurotransmitter?

Bind to the same receptors as opiate drugs; includes endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins; involved in pain inhibition and regulation of hormonal systems. Signup and view all the answers

Tell me about substance P?

P is for pain! Substance P acts as a neurotransmitter in some neurons in the sensory pathways that relay pain sensation. Signup and view all the answers

Name a few other peptides?

ACTH (pituitary), vasopressin (pituitary), neurotensin, cholecystokinin, somatostatin (hypothalamus). Signup and view all the answers

Tell me about nitrous oxide as a neurotransmitter?

It's a neuromodulator, regulates vascular systems, cell death of neurons, and changes in postsynaptic neuron in response to repeated stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

Tell me about carbon monoxide as a neurotransmitter?

Short-lasting, rapid effects; affects neurotransmitter release. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different types of receptors we talked about in this course?

Acetylcholine, amino acids (glutamate/GABA), norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, opioid peptides. Signup and view all the answers

Describe nicotinic acetylcholine receptors?

Ligand-gated ion channels located at the NMJ, autonomic ganglia, and some parts of the CNS; function in memory and learning (Alzheimer's) and also neuronal development. Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Acetylcholine

Functions within cholinergic systems through nicotinic and muscarinic receptors.
Biochemical synthesis involves acetyl-coenzyme A and choline, catalyzed by choline acetyltransferase; broken down by acetylcholinesterase into acetate and choline.
Peripheral roles include muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction and regulation of visceral functions in the autonomic nervous system.
Central roles encompass autonomic regulation and selection of attention focus.

Amino Acids as Neurotransmitters

Amino acids serve as primary neurotransmitters in the CNS, with two classifications:
- Excitatory: aspartate and glutamate
- Inhibitory: glycine and GABA

Glutamate

Principal fast neurotransmitter involved in learning, development, and neuronal death following CNS injuries.

Glycine

Functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, particularly affecting postsynaptic membranes in the brainstem and spinal cord.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

Major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, particularly associated with interneurons in the spinal cord.

Monoamines

Key neurotransmitters include dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and histamine.
Dopamine and norepinephrine are classified as catecholamines, derived from phenylalanine and tyrosine.

Catecholamine Synthesis

Synthesized from phenylalanine through tyrosine to L-DOPA, then converted into dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

Dopamine

Influences motor activity, cognition, and motivation; critical in conditions such as Parkinson's Disease (low) and schizophrenia (high).

Norepinephrine

Integral to the autonomic nervous system, facilitating fight-or-flight responses, as well as attention and vigilance.

Serotonin

Regulates blood vessels, mood (low levels linked to depression), and sleep, affected by dietary tryptophan.

Histamine

Concentrated in the hypothalamus, regulates hormonal functions, and plays a role in inflammatory responses.

Peptides as Neurotransmitters

A broad category with diverse functions, primarily acting as neuromodulators rather than classical neurotransmitters.

Endogenous Opioid Peptides

Includes endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins, involved in pain inhibition and hormonal regulation, binding to opiate drug receptors.

Substance P

A neurotransmitter involved in pain perception, reflecting the importance of signaling in sensory pathways.

Other Peptides

Significantly involved include ACTH, vasopressin, neurotensin, cholecystokinin, and somatostatin.

Nitric Oxide (NO)

Functions as a neuromodulator affecting vascular regulation, neuronal cell death, and altering postsynaptic response to stimuli.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Exhibits rapid, short-lasting effects that influence neurotransmitter release.

Types of Receptors

Categories encompass acetylcholine, amino acids (glutamate, GABA), norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and opioid peptides.

Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors

Ligand-gated ion channels located at the neuromuscular junction and autonomic ganglia; play roles in memory and learning, with implications in Alzheimer's and neuronal development.

Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors

Further elaboration needed for a complete overview.

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