PSYC 415--Key terms for unit two: part 1 (chaps 4.5-4.7, 5.1-5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 10.1-10.3)

Terms from the video(s) are not included on this handout. See separate handout(s).

action potential - the electrical impulse that travels along the axon
saltatory conduction
myelin - demyelinating diseases (multiple sclerosis)
synapse - the junction point between two neurons
parts of a synapse - it is not simply the synaptic cleft as most intro books say
     terminal button (synaptic terminal)
     vesicles
     presynaptic membrane
     presynaptic receptors or autoreceptors
     postsynaptic membrane
     postsynaptic receptors

two kinds of receptors
     (i) the receptor protein and ion channel protein are the same
     (ii) the receptor protein and the ion channel protein are separate molecules

second messengers

seven steps in neurotransmitter action
     (i) biosynthesis - production of transmitter from substances in the diet,
         assisted by the action of enzymes
     (ii) storage - in vesicles
     (iii) breakdown - transmitter than leaks out of vesicles is destroyed by enzymes
     (iv) exocytosis - release
     (v) negative feedback - via autoreceptors
     (vi) binding - at the postsynaptic receptors (ligand)
     (vii) deactivation - by reuptake or by enzymatic destruction

neurotransmitters
     (i) amino acids - glutamate, glycine, GABA
     (ii) monoamines - catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine)
                       indoleamines (serotonin, melatonin-not at this time known to be
                                     a neurotransmitter)
     (iii) acetylcholine
     (iv) neuropeptides - endorphins are an example

drug actions vs. drug effects
agonistic drugs
antagonistic drugs
mechanisms of drug action
     (i) increases biosynthesis (l-dopa)
     (ii) inhibits degrading enzymes (MAOI)
     (iii) increases release of neurotransmitter (amphetamine)
     (iv) binds to and blocks autoreceptors blocking negative feedback
     (v) binds to and stimulates postsynaptic receptors (nicotine, morphine, valium)
     (vi) blocks reuptake of neurotransmitter (cocaine)
     (vii) blocks synthesis of neurotransmitter by inhibiting enzymes (PCPA)
     (viii) causes neurotransmitter to leak from vesicles (reserpine)
     (ix) blocks the release of neurotransmitter (tetanus toxin)
     (x) binds to and stimulates autoreceptors (LSD)
     (xi) binds to and blocks postsynaptic receptors (chlorpromazine, curare)
     (xii) some drugs act on the second messenger

drugs are usually specific to one or a few neurotransmitter systems
e.g., nicotine acts at acetylcholine receptors - acetylcholine agonist
      tetanus toxin works at glycine synapses - glycine antagonist
      curare is an acetylcholine antagonist
      chlorpromazine is a dopamine (and to some extent norepinephrine) antagonist
      cocaine is a dopamine agonist
      etc.