neurotransmitters

Question 1

acetylcholine

Answer 1

• produced in the basal forebrain (nucleus basalis, medial septal nucleus, nucleus of diagonal band)
• also in the midbrain - pedunculopontine nucleus and the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus
• implicated in learning and memory (Alzheimers disease)

have two types of receptors
- nicotinic (ion channels) - excitatory and rapid
inhibited by curare
- muscarinic (G coupled) - slower response, can be both excitatory or inhibitory
inhibited by atropine and scopolamine

Question 2

monoamines include

Answer 2

• dopamine, NE, epinephrine

- serotonin and melanin

Question 3

dopamine

Answer 3

• produced in substantia nigra of the midbrain, and ventral tegmental area
• loss of DA - motor problems ie Parkinsons
• excessive DA - schizophrenia

Question 4

NE

Answer 4

produced in the locus ceruleus of the midbrain and lateral tegmental are of the entire brainstem

modulates behavioural and physiological processes

alpha and beta adrenergic receptors (they are metabotrophic i.e. no ion channels)

Question 5

5HT

Answer 5

is produced in the raphe nuclei of the brainstem
involved in:
- control of sleep
- and mood

(low serotonin implicated in depression)

Question 6

Glutamate

Answer 6

• most common excitatory neurotransmitter
• associated with learning and memory
• activates AMPA and NMDA receptors
• associated with excitotoxicity - exacerrbates post-synaptic neuronal loss by prolonged depolarisation in neuronal injury

Question 7

GABA

Answer 7

• most common inhibitory neurotransmitter
• GABA A and C are ion channels (rapid response)
• GABA B produces a slow occurring inhibition