Neurotransmitters and Their Functions

Flashcards covering key neurotransmitters, their functions, and related drugs.

Glutamate

An excitatory neurotransmitter constituting about 80% of the neurons in the brain, critical for synaptic plasticity.

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)

An inhibitory neurotransmitter synthesized from glutamate, known for inducing IPSPs.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter synthesized by choline acetyltransferase, primarily metabolized by acetylcholinesterase.

Dopamine (DA)

A neurotransmitter involved in several pathways including nigrostriatal and mesolimbic pathways.

Norepinephrine (NE)

A neurotransmitter with cell bodies in the locus coeruleus, projecting widely with several receptor types.

Serotonin (5-HT)

A neurotransmitter originating from raphe nuclei, with all but one of its receptor subtypes being metabotropic.

Adenosine

A neurotransmitter synthesized from adenine, involved in sleep regulation and inhibitory signaling.

Endocannabinoids

A class of neurotransmitters including anandamide and 2-AG, known for their role in inhibitory signaling.

Endogenous Opioids

Naturally occurring peptides including endorphins, acting on opioid receptors to mediate pain and reward.

NMDA Receptors

A type of glutamate receptor that is involved in synaptic plasticity and is antagonized by PCP and ketamine.

Muscarinic Receptors

A type of acetylcholine receptor that is metabotropic and involved in various physiological responses.

Nicotinic Receptors

Ionotropic receptors that respond to acetylcholine, subtype α4β2 is well known for high nicotine affinity.

LTP (Long-Term Potentiation)

A process associated with the strengthening of synapses based on recent patterns of activity.

Curare

A paralytic agent that antagonizes nicotinic ACh receptors.

Botulinum Toxin

A neurotoxin that inhibits the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

The psychoactive compound in cannabis that acts as a CB1 agonist.

Beta-blockers

Drugs that inhibit norepinephrine activity by blocking its receptors, mainly for treating hypertension.

Cocaine

A stimulant drug that inhibits the reuptake of dopamine, leading to increased dopamine levels in the synapse.