Chapter 21: Acetylcholine

Characteristics of Classical NT

NT: Ach, GABA, monoamines

Molecular Size: small

Uniquely Synthesized at the synapse : Yes

Type of Vesicle : Small, Clear Vesicles

Characteristics of Amino Acids

NT: Glutamate, Glycine

Molecular Size: small

Uniquely Synthesized at the synapse : No

Type of Vesicle : Small, Clear Vesicles

Characteristics of Gaseous Messengers

NT: Nitric Oxide. Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Sulfide

Molecular Size: small

Uniquely Synthesized at the synapse : Yes

Type of Vesicle : None

Characteristics of Neuropeptides

NT: Short Peptide

Molecular Size: large

Uniquely Synthesized at the synapse : No

Type of Vesicle : Large Dense core vesicles

What is the Acetylcholine Hypothesis in Alzheimer’s Disease

1) AD patients have reduced number of cholinergic neurons

2) Blocking mAchRs in normal people causes the loss of the ability to create new memories

3)AD patients have reduced number of HACUs and ChATs

4)AD patients have a reduced number of nAChRs

Examples of Cholinesterase inhibitors and treatment

Organophosphate insecticides

Nerve Gasses

Treatment: Atropine(mAcHR antagonist) which partially blocks effects of excess Ach (at mAChrs)

GABA agonists: reduce/prevent seizures