Neurotransmitter Action and Receptors

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to neurotransmitter action and receptor functions, crucial for understanding synaptic transmission and neurophysiology.

Action Potential

A brief change in the electrical potential across the neuronal membrane that initiates neurotransmitter release.

Voltage-gated Ca²+ Channels

Channels that open in response to an action potential, allowing calcium ions to enter the neuron.

Calcium Ions (Ca²+)

Act as a go signal for the neuron to release neurotransmitters.

Vesicle Fusion

The process where neurotransmitter-containing vesicles bind to the presynaptic membrane and release their contents.

Synaptic Cleft

The space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes where neurotransmitters diffuse.

Postsynaptic Receptors

Proteins on the surface of the postsynaptic cell that bind neurotransmitters and influence ion channel activity.

EPSP (Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential)

Na influx

IPSP (Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential)

ci- influx/ k+ efflux

Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors

Ionotropic receptors that open channels to allow Na+ influx (3) and Kr efflux (2) when acetylcholine binds.

What do nicoronic receptors do?

Produce local graded postsynaptic potential

Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors

Metabotropic receptors that can have excitatory or inhibitory effects, such as reducing heart rate.

Function of muscarinic receptors

Reduce heart rate, increase gut motility, bile, & pancreatic juicecretion

Serotonin Receptors

Can be ionotropic or metabotropic; involved in mood stabilization, appetite, and cognition.

Serotonin clearance

Reuptake

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that binds to metabotropic receptors and is involved in reward, motivation, and motor control.

Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

Metabotropic neurotransmitters that increase heart rate and alertness through adrenergic receptors.

Binding for epic/ norepi nephrite

Adrenergic receptors a&b

GABA-A

Ionotropic receptor that opens chloride channels to produce inhibitory effects.

GABA-B

Metabotropic receptor that opens potassium channels and closes calcium channels, leading to inhibition.

Endorphins

Metabotropic neurotransmitters that bind to opioid receptors to reduce pain and induce euphoria.