Neurotransmitter: Difference between revisions
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The signals can be excitatory (open [[Cation channels|cation channels]] (e.g. [[Sodium|Na]]<sup>[[Sodium|+]]</sup>)) or inhibitory (open Cl<sup>- </sup>or [[Potassium Channel|K]]<sup>[[Potassium Channel|+]]</sup>[[Potassium Channel|channels]]). Excitatory signals bring the cell closer to threshold where as inhibitory signals cause the cell to move away from threshold value. When the cell reaches threshold an [[Action potential|action potential]] is fired <ref>Alberts, B et al. (2008). Molecular Biology of the Cell. 5th ed. US: Garland Science</ref>. | The signals can be excitatory (open [[Cation channels|cation channels]] (e.g. [[Sodium|Na]]<sup>[[Sodium|+]]</sup>)) or inhibitory (open Cl<sup>- </sup>or [[Potassium Channel|K]]<sup>[[Potassium Channel|+]]</sup>[[Potassium Channel|channels]]). Excitatory signals bring the cell closer to threshold where as inhibitory signals cause the cell to move away from threshold value. When the cell reaches threshold an [[Action potential|action potential]] is fired <ref>Alberts, B et al. (2008). Molecular Biology of the Cell. 5th ed. US: Garland Science</ref>. | ||
Transmission of a signal between two neurones can be improved if the neurotransmitter is repeatedly released from the presynaptic membrane, this is called [[Long term potentiation|long term potentiation]] (LTP). An example of this is the release of the neurotransmitter [[Glutamate|glutamate]]. The postsynaptic membrane holds two ligand-gated ion channels ([[Iontrophic receptor|iontrophic receptors]]): the [[AMPA receptor|AMPA receptor]] and the [[NMDA receptor|NMDA receptor]]. When [[Glutamate|glutamate]] diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to the [[AMPA receptor|AMPA receptor]], the ion channel opens and allows the entry of sodium ions into the postsynaptic cell. This iniates an EPSP ([[Excitatory post-synaptic potential|excitatory post-synaptic potential]]) which in turn can trigger an action potential if the voltage reaches or exceeds the threshold (-55mV). In contrast, [[Glutamate|glutamate]] initially has no effect on the [[NMDA receptor|NMDA receptor]] as a [[Magnesium|magnesium]] ion attached to the receptor inhibits it from opening. But as [[Glutamate|glutamate]] is repeatedly released, furthur depolarisation of the postsynaptic membrane triggers the release of the [[Magnesium|magnesium]] ion from the receptor. This allows the entry of [[Calcium|calcium]] ions which then activates other [[Molecules|molecules]] in the [[Secondary messenger|secondary messenger]] pathway <ref>Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff M, Walter P (2008) Molecular Biology Of The Cell, Garland Science Taylor and Francis Group, New York pg 691-692</ref>.<br> | Transmission of a signal between two neurones can be improved if the neurotransmitter is repeatedly released from the presynaptic membrane, this is called [[Long term potentiation|long term potentiation]] (LTP). An example of this is the release of the neurotransmitter [[Glutamate|glutamate]]. The postsynaptic membrane holds two ligand-gated ion channels ([[Iontrophic receptor|iontrophic receptors]]): the [[AMPA receptor|AMPA receptor]] and the [[NMDA receptor|NMDA receptor]]. When [[Glutamate|glutamate]] diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to the [[AMPA receptor|AMPA receptor]], the ion channel opens and allows the entry of sodium ions into the postsynaptic cell. This iniates an EPSP ([[Excitatory post-synaptic potential|excitatory post-synaptic potential]]) which in turn can trigger an action potential if the voltage reaches or exceeds the threshold (-55mV). In contrast, [[Glutamate|glutamate]] initially has no effect on the [[NMDA receptor|NMDA receptor]] as a [[Magnesium|magnesium]] ion attached to the receptor inhibits it from opening. But as [[Glutamate|glutamate]] is repeatedly released, furthur depolarisation of the postsynaptic membrane triggers the release of the [[Magnesium|magnesium]] ion from the receptor. This allows the entry of [[Calcium|calcium]] ions (Ca<sup>2+</sup>) which then activates other [[Molecules|molecules]] in the [[Secondary messenger|secondary messenger]] pathway <ref>Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff M, Walter P (2008) Molecular Biology Of The Cell, Garland Science Taylor and Francis Group, New York pg 691-692</ref>.<br> | ||
=== Different types of Neurotransmitters:<br> === | === Different types of Neurotransmitters:<br> === | ||
'''<u></u>''' | '''<u></u>''' | ||
'''<span style="display: none">Ligand gated ion channel (Ionotropic neurotransmitters):</span>'''<u><span style="display: none"> </span></u> | '''<span style="display: none">Ligand gated ion channel (Ionotropic neurotransmitters):</span>'''<u><span style="display: none"> </span></u> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
=== G-protein linked receptors (Metabotropic neurotransmitters):<br> === | === G-protein linked receptors (Metabotropic neurotransmitters):<br> === | ||
*[[Histamine|Histamines]] | *[[Histamine|Histamines]] | ||
*Epinepherine | *[[Epinephrine|Epinepherine]] | ||
*ATP | *[[ATP|ATP]] | ||
* | *[[Acetylcholine|Acetylcholine]]<br> | ||
=== Other Neurotransmitters (that don't require receptors):<br> === | === Other Neurotransmitters (that don't require receptors):<br> === | ||
*Nitric oxide | *Nitric oxide | ||
Revision as of 14:30, 17 October 2015
Neurotransmitters are signalling molecules released by exocytosis from vesicles in the pre-synaptic cell causing depolarisation, they diffuse across the synaptic cleft in response to an action potential. The neurotransmitter causes an electrical change in the post-synaptic cell.
The signals can be excitatory (open cation channels (e.g. Na+)) or inhibitory (open Cl- or K+channels). Excitatory signals bring the cell closer to threshold where as inhibitory signals cause the cell to move away from threshold value. When the cell reaches threshold an action potential is fired [1].
Transmission of a signal between two neurones can be improved if the neurotransmitter is repeatedly released from the presynaptic membrane, this is called long term potentiation (LTP). An example of this is the release of the neurotransmitter glutamate. The postsynaptic membrane holds two ligand-gated ion channels (iontrophic receptors): the AMPA receptor and the NMDA receptor. When glutamate diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to the AMPA receptor, the ion channel opens and allows the entry of sodium ions into the postsynaptic cell. This iniates an EPSP (excitatory post-synaptic potential) which in turn can trigger an action potential if the voltage reaches or exceeds the threshold (-55mV). In contrast, glutamate initially has no effect on the NMDA receptor as a magnesium ion attached to the receptor inhibits it from opening. But as glutamate is repeatedly released, furthur depolarisation of the postsynaptic membrane triggers the release of the magnesium ion from the receptor. This allows the entry of calcium ions (Ca2+) which then activates other molecules in the secondary messenger pathway [2].
Different types of Neurotransmitters:
G-protein linked receptors (Metabotropic neurotransmitters):
Other Neurotransmitters (that don't require receptors):
- Nitric oxide
- Testosterone