exam 3 study guide (AI-based flashcards)

What are the three major classes of neurotransmitters?

Amino Acids, Amines, and Peptides.

What is the role of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)?

AChE breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft.

What does Sarin gas do to acetylcholine receptors?

Sarin gas inhibits AChE, preventing ACh breakdown and leading to overstimulation of ACh receptors.

What type of receptors are ACh receptors at skeletal muscles?

Ionotropic receptors.

How do metabotropic muscarinic receptors affect heart rate?

They slow down heart rate by activating G proteins and altering ion flow.

What disease is characterized by autoimmune loss of skeletal muscle ACh receptors?

Myasthenia Gravis.

What is GABA?

A neurotransmitter that acts as the primary inhibitory signal in the brain.

What is the main effect of GABA release in mature neurons?

Inhibition, moving membrane potential closer to Cl- reversal potential.

What pharmacological agent enhances GABA receptor activation?

Benzodiazepines.

What causes Familial startle disease (hyperekplexia)?

Glycine receptor mutation.

What are the catecholamines?

Dopamine (DA), Norepinephrine (NE), and Epinephrine (E).

What common precursor is shared by catecholamines?

Tyrosine.

What happens in Parkinson’s Disease?

Death of dopamine neurons.

What does L-DOPA do in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease?

It increases dopamine levels.

What is the main function of serotonin (5-HT)?

Regulation of mood and cognitive processes.

What is substance P involved in?

Transmission of pain signals in the nervous system.

What do endogenous opioids do regarding pain?

They inhibit the release of substance P, producing analgesia.

Define autocrine signaling.

A type of cell signaling where a cell targets itself.

What does GPCR stand for?

G-Protein Coupled Receptor.

What happens when a ligand binds to a GPCR?

The GPCR undergoes a conformational change, activating intracellular signaling pathways.

What are ionotropic receptors responsible for?

Rapid synaptic transmission.

What two processes are involved in the removal of Ca2+ from cytoplasm?

Calcium pumps and Na+/Ca2+ exchangers.

What is the role of cAMP in cellular signaling?

cAMP activates protein kinase A (PKA) which regulates various cellular responses.

What happens during ischemia in relation to glutamate?

Increased glutamate signaling causes excessive depolarization and potential apoptosis.

What is unique about NMDA receptors?

They act as coincidence detectors, requiring both ligand binding and membrane depolarization.

What type of agents can inhibit GABA receptors?

Picrotoxin.

What exist in prepropeptides for their targeting?

Signal sequences guide them to the endoplasmic reticulum.

How does Baclofen act on GABAB receptors?

Baclofen is a GABAB receptor agonist, primarily functioning as a muscle relaxant.

Electrophysiological findings from EMGs can indicate what in Myasthenia Gravis?

Reduced muscle action potentials due to loss of ACh receptors.

How do different types of G-proteins vary?

Heteromeric G-proteins consist of multiple subunits, whereas monomeric G-proteins are single subunits.

What pharmacological action is associated with strychnine?

It inhibits glycine receptors.

What is the main effect of dopamine on heart rate?

Dopamine can increase heart rate through activation of beta receptors.

What do reserpine and its clinical uses indicate?

Reserpine depletes monoamines and is used for hypertension and psychotic disorders.