NROSCI 0081 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Physical Dependence, Drug Tolerance, Medial Forebrain Bundle
27 Feb 2018
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Neurotransmitters: how are neurotransmitters discovered? (experiment of otto loewi, he caused an action potential in the parasympathetic vagus nerve that slowed the beating of the heart \. Know the criteria for neurotransmitters 5 criteria. The chemical must be produced or found within a neuron. Chemical must be released in response to an action potential. When released, the chemical must act on a receptor and cause a biological effect. After release, the chemical must be inactivated. If applied exogenously experimentally, it should have the same effect as when it is released by the neuron. Understand why receptors (rather than neurotransmitters) dictate whether neurotransmission is excitatory or inhibitory. Example: acetylcholine and nicotinic vs. muscarinic receptors. Inhibitory on the heart and excitatory in the muscles. Understand the similarity and difference between ionotropic and metabotropic receptors. Similarity: 1) have binding sites; 2) goal is to change post-synaptic membrane potential. Ionotropic receptors: regulates ion flow via pores to directly and rapidly change membrane voltage.
