CNS Neurotransmitters Flashcards

1
Q

Presynaptic Inhibition

A

Some CNS nerve terminals synapse on other (excitatory) pre-synaptic terminals; an action potential in the inhibitory terminal releases GABA, which opens chloride channels in the target pre-synaptic terminal and ‘short-circuit’ the action potential in the excitatory terminal, reducing the number of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels that open in response to the action potential; thus, less excitatory neurotransmitter is released

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2
Q

Spatial summation

A

Many excitatory inputs converge on a target and fire action potentials simultaneously; each individually small synaptic potential summates, driving the post-synaptic membrane potential toward threshold

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3
Q

Temporal summation

A

A single excitatory input stimulated in succession causes a larger EPSP due to synaptic facilitation (Ca2+ accumulation)

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4
Q

Function of ACh in the CNS

A

Coordinated movement and cognitive functions (motivation, memory, and learning)

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5
Q

Pathophysiological Role of ACh in CNS

A

Alzheimer’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease
Schizophrenia

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6
Q

Synthesis of Dopamine

A

Tyrosine is convered into L-Dopa by Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH); L-Dopa is converted to Dopamine

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7
Q

Synthesis of Serotonin

A

Tryptophan is converted to 5-OH-tryptophan by Tyrosine Hydroxylase; 5-OH-tryptophan is then converted to Serotonin (5-HT)

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8
Q

Storage of monoamines

A

Transmitter is taken up into the storage vesicle via the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT)

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9
Q

Monoamine oxidase (MAO)

A

Enzymatically destroys dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin

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10
Q

Termination of monoamine signaling

A

Synaptic activity of monoamines is terminated mainly by pre-synaptic membrane transporters: dopamine transporter (DAT), norepinephrine transporter (NET), serotonin transporter (SERT)

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11
Q

Function of Dopamine in CNS

A

Initiation of voluntary movement
Reward related behaviors
Working memory
Attention

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12
Q

Function of NE in the CNS

A

Arousal, attention, vigilance
Sleep-wake cycle
Fear, anxiety
Mood/emotion

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13
Q

Function of Serotonin in the CNS

A

Arousal, attention, sleep
Processing of sensory information
Emotion, mood regulation
Eating/drinking behaviors

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14
Q

Pathophysiological role of Dopamine in CNS

A

Schizophrenia
Parkinson’s Disease
OCD
ADHD

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15
Q

Pathophysiological role of NE in CNS

A

Mania
Depressio
Anxiety disorders
ADHD

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16
Q

Pathophysiologic role of Serotonin in CNS

A

Depression
Anxiety
Schizophrenia

17
Q

Synthesis of GABA

A

GABA is synthesized from Glutamate via glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)

18
Q

Termination of GABA signaling

A

Primarily reuptake into the pre-synaptic nerve terminal and surrounding glial cells by the GABA transporter

19
Q

GABA(A) Channel - Function

A

Ionotropic; GABA binding opens ligand-gated Cl- channel, decreasing neuronal excitability via ISPs

20
Q

GABA(B) Channel - Function

A

Metabotropic; Gi/o coupled, inhibits adenylyl cyclase, decreases Ca2+ conductance, opens K+ channel

21
Q

Pathophysiological Role of GABA in CNS

A

Generalized anxiety disorder
Seizure disorders
Sleep disorders
Alcohol withdrawal

22
Q

Synthesis of Glutamate

A

Glutamate is formed from Glutamine by the action of glutaminase in the nerve ending

23
Q

Glutamate termination and storage

A

Released glutamate either re-enters the neuron via neuronal glutamate transporter [(Gt(n)] or is taken up by the glial cell transporter [(Gt(g)] and is converted to glutamine by glutamine synthetase (GluSyn)

24
Q

Pathophysiological Role of Glutamate in CNS

A

Epilepsy
Ischemic brain damage
Addiction
Schizophrenia