E4 Neurotransmitters and synapses

Monday, 3 September 2012 1:05 PM

E.4.1 State that some presynaptic neurons excite postsynaptic transmission and others inhibit postsynaptic transmission. Neurone receives many excitatory and inhibitory stimuli If sum if inhibitory --> doesn't fire; excitatory --> fires

Excitatory neurotransmitters: Generate action potentials e.g. ACh Increase permeability of postsynaptic membrane to cations Depolarisation: 1. Na+ in synaptic cleft diffuse into postsynaptic neurone 2. Postsynaptic neurone depolarised locally by influx of positive Na+ ions 3. Inside of neurone develops net positive charge 4. Depolarisation: the way the impulse is carried along the neurone 5. Neurone locally depolarised, continues as Na+ diffuse to next area 6. Impulse conducted along neurone 7. Action potential formed as membrane depolarisation is raised above threshold 8. Impulse is carried along nerve If threshold is not met, neurone doesn't carry impulse to next neurone
Inhibitory neurotransmitters: Inhibit action potentials e.g. GABA Cause hyperpolarisation (inside becomes more negative) 1. Inhibitory NT binds to receptor 2. Cl- ions move across postsynaptic membrane into postsynaptic cell or cause K + to move out 3. Movement of Cl- into neurone or K+ out of neurone causes hyperpolarisation E.4.2 Explain how decision-making in the CNS can result from the interaction between the activities of excitatory and inhibitory presynaptic neurons at synapses. Nervous system consists of CNS and peripheral nerves Peripheral nerves carry action potentials from sense organs to CNS to effector organs CNS consists of 1011 neurons linked by 1014 synapses Functions of brain: Fundamental activity is to coordinate and control body functions Stores information and builds up memory bank Initiates activity, enables us to imagine, create, plan, calculate and predict Abstract reasoning

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Different areas of brain carry out particular functions Centres connected by nerve fibres via spinal cord and peripheral nerves to body Integration is on-going process Decisions are being taken in centres based on integration of incoming data with memory data

Functional and structural aspects that are central to decision-making processes: 1. Interaction between activities of excitatory and inhibitory pre-synaptic neurons 2. Different types of connection pathways found between neurons E.4.3 Explain how psychoactive drugs affect the brain and personality by either increasing or decreasing postsynaptic transmission. Increasing postsynaptic transmission Decreasing postsynaptic transmission

E.4.4 List three examples of excitatory and three examples of inhibitory psychoactive drugs.
Excitatory drugs Nicotine: Inhibitory drugs Benzodiazepines:
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Nicotine: Similar structure to ACh Fits ACh receptor on post-synaptic membranes Not broken down by enzyme that inactivates ACh Remains on receptors --> prolongs effects Amphetamines: Cause increased release of noradrenaline Enhanced activation of post-synaptic neurons High state of mental arousal Cocaine: Prevents removal or noradrenaline from receptors Continuous transmission of action potentials

Benzodiazepines: Enhance effects of GABA Combines with and slows down GABA receptors GABA slows brain action Benzodiazepines exert extra inhibitory effect Ethanol: Sedative effect by slowing activity of neurons Acts on brain as anaesthetic Harmful to liver, pancreas, heart THC in cannabis: Crosses blood-brain barrier Binds to receptors in cerebellum, cerebral cortex Slows/prevents movement, impairs reasoning

E.4.5 Explain the effects of THC and cocaine in terms of their action at synapses in the brain. Cocaine: Affects synapses using dopamine Attaches to dopamine receptors on presynaptic membrane Blocks dopamine transporters --> prevents re-uptake --> causes dopamine to persist in synaptic cleft Excitatory psychoactive drug, causes constant stimulation of postsynaptic neuron Dopamine builds up in synapse --> euphoria Addictive Changes in personality Crimes associated with cost, production, distribution E.4.6 Discuss the causes of addiction, including genetic predisposition, social factors and dopamine secretion. Addiction: State of taking a mood-altering drug habitually Being unable to give up without experiencing unpleasant side-effect Role of most abused drugs is to stimulate 'reward pathway', withdrawal causes the opposite of euphoria Addicts cannot control/abandon drug use Genetic predisposition: Genetic links have been found for addiction Differentiated from environmental aspects of being exposed to culture of drug use (multifactorial) Some have metabolic state in which drugs are very effective Lack level of enzymes to promptly dispose of drug Personality type: Hedonistic in inclinations Inclined towards unnecessary risk-taking Social factors: Poverty: poor diet, high unemployment, limited education Family members who are addicted Social ineptitude Little opportunity for personal fulfilment
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 Little opportunity for personal fulfilment All can generate a sense of hopelessness in which drug use is an escape Dopamine secretion: Addictive substances stimulate release of dopamine Dopamine is an NT associated with the 'reward pathway' Substance use brings excess of dopamine, altering the brain Interference with dopamine metabolism that this drug triggers produces state of dependence More and more drug needed to produce same effect (tolerance) Habit forming nature of drugs

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