Overview of Chemical Neurotransmission: Dopamine and Serotonin

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to chemical neurotransmission, specifically focusing on dopamine and serotonin, their functions, drug interactions, and clinical implications.

Chemical Synapse

A structure that allows neurons to communicate with each other by releasing neurotransmitters.

Dopamine (DA)

A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and motor control.

Serotonin (5-HT)

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep; also involved in anxiety and depression.

Reuptake Inhibitor

A substance that prevents the reabsorption of neurotransmitters, increasing their availability in the synaptic cleft.

Agonist

A substance that binds to a receptor and activates it to produce a biological response.

Antagonist

A substance that binds to a receptor but does not activate it, blocking or dampening a biological response.

Biosynthesis of Dopamine

The process by which dopamine is produced from tyrosine through enzymatic reactions.

5-Hydroxytryptamine (Serotonin)

Another name for serotonin; involved in numerous physiological functions including mood regulation.

Dopaminergic Pathways

Neural pathways in the brain where dopamine is used as a neurotransmitter.

Therapeutic Uses of Dopaminergic Drugs

The clinical applications of drugs that either enhance or block the action of dopamine in various disorders.

5-HT Reuptake Inhibitors

Drugs that prevent the reabsorption of serotonin, often used in the treatment of depression.

D2 Antagonists

Drugs that block D2 dopamine receptors, commonly used in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Serotonergic Pathways in the Brain

Neural pathways that utilize serotonin as a neurotransmitter, influencing mood and behavior.

Metabolism of Serotonin

The biochemical process involved in breaking down and recycling serotonin in the body.

Clinical Disorders related to Dopamine

Conditions such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia that are influenced by dopamine levels.

Clinical Disorders related to Serotonin

Conditions including anxiety, depression, and migraines that are influenced by serotonin levels.

Chemical Synapse

A structure that allows neurons to communicate with each other by releasing neurotransmitters.

Dopamine (DA)

A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and motor control.

Serotonin (5-HT)

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep; also involved in anxiety and depression.

Reuptake Inhibitor

A substance that prevents the reabsorption of neurotransmitters, increasing their availability in the synaptic cleft.

Agonist

A substance that binds to a receptor and activates it to produce a biological response.

Antagonist

A substance that binds to a receptor but does not activate it, blocking or dampening a biological response.

Biosynthesis of Dopamine

The process by which dopamine is produced from tyrosine through enzymatic reactions.

5-Hydroxytryptamine (Serotonin)

Another name for serotonin; involved in numerous physiological functions including mood regulation.

Dopaminergic Pathways

Neural pathways in the brain where dopamine is used as a neurotransmitter.

Therapeutic Uses of Dopaminergic Drugs

The clinical applications of drugs that either enhance or block the action of dopamine in various disorders.

5-HT Reuptake Inhibitors

Drugs that prevent the reabsorption of serotonin, often used in the treatment of depression.

D2 Antagonists

Drugs that block D2 dopamine receptors, commonly used in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Serotonergic Pathways in the Brain

Neural pathways that utilize serotonin as a neurotransmitter, influencing mood and behavior.

Metabolism of Serotonin

The biochemical process involved in breaking down and recycling serotonin in the body.

Clinical Disorders related to Dopamine

Conditions such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia that are influenced by dopamine levels.

Clinical Disorders related to Serotonin

Conditions including anxiety, depression, and migraines that are influenced by serotonin levels.

Components of a Chemical Synapse

The presynaptic terminal, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic membrane, which facilitate signal transmission between neurons.

Mechanism of Reuptake Inhibitors

Reuptake inhibitors block transporter proteins on the presynaptic neuron, preventing the reabsorption of neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft and increasing their concentration.

How Agonists Work

Agonists bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic membrane and mimic the action of endogenous neurotransmitters, thereby producing a biological response.

How Antagonists Work

Antagonists bind to receptors without activating them, thereby blocking the action of endogenous neurotransmitters or agonists and preventing a biological response.

Precursor for Serotonin Synthesis

The essential amino acid tryptophan, which is converted to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and then to serotonin (5-HT).