Neurotransmitters and Related Processes

Flashcards covering key neurotransmitters, their functions, associated disorders, and pharmacological interventions.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Involved in memory, learning, and muscle contraction.

Dopamine (DA)

Regulates motivation, pleasure, and movement.

Norepinephrine (NE)

Involved in stress, alertness, and attention.

Serotonin (5-HT)

Regulates mood, sleep, and appetite.

Glutamate

Main excitatory neurotransmitter, crucial for memory and neuronal plasticity.

GABA

Main inhibitory neurotransmitter, reduces anxiety and controls neuronal excitability.

Endorphins

Neuropeptides that alleviate pain and create a sense of well-being.

Ionotropic receptors

Receptors that open directly when a neurotransmitter binds, allowing ions to enter the neuron.

Metabotropic receptors

Receptors that activate second messengers to open ion channels, leading to slower responses in cells.

Alzheimer's Disease

A disorder associated with a deficiency of acetylcholine.

Parkinson's Disease

A disorder related to the mesostriatal dopaminergic pathway affecting movement.

Reactive psychiatry medications (SSRIs)

Medications that block the reuptake of serotonin to treat mood disorders.

Psychopharmaceuticals

Medications used to modify neurotransmitter action to treat psychiatric disorders.

Antagonists

Medications that block the actions of neurotransmitters, often used in high level disorders.

Glutamate excitotoxicity

Excess levels of glutamate that can cause neurotoxicity and epilepsy.

GABA deficiency

Can lead to anxiety and epilepsy.