Chemical Synapses and Post-Synaptic Receptors

Presynaptic Membrane

not homogenous

contains specialized regions of

Vesicels

provide protection against NT degradation within the neuron

each contain the same amount of NT so stronger signals can be coded for by releasing more vesicles

Snares

scaffold proteins and are the Ca2+ sensitive machinery that facilitates vesicle docking at the active zones

Glutamate

excitatory

GABA

inhibitory

Glycine

often inhibitory

Norepinephrine

arousal, learning, and attention

Serotonin

involved in mood regulation

Acetylcholine

involved in learning, memory, sleep, and motor function

Dopamine

involved in reward processing and motor function

Histamine

involved in immune responses, gastric function, and neurotransmission

Epinephrine

prepares body for quick responses to stress

Neuropeptides

substance P

vasopressin

Substance P

transmission of pain

Vasopressin

regulate the body’s water balance by promoting water reabsorption in the kidney

also plays a role in pair bonding controlling monogamy

Neurotransmitters (single amino acids)

glutamate

GABA

glycine

Neurotransmitters (amines/monoamines)

norepinephrine

serotonin

acetylcholine

dopamine

histamine

epinephrine

Agonists

Mimic the activity of neurotransmitter

Antagonists

Inhibit activity of neurotransmitters

SNARES

scaffold proteins and are the Ca2+ sensitive machinery that facilitates vesicle docking at the active zones