Name 2 neurotransmitters found only in brain synapses
dopamine and serotonin
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What is the blood-brain barrier?
Very closely joined endothelial cells lining brain capillaires, preventing bacterial infections and making it difficult for therapeutic drugs to get through
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List the 5 stages in synaptic transmission that drugs can target
Neurotransmitter synthesis and storage, release, receptor-binding, re-uptake, and breakdown
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What happens to the brain in Parkinson's disease?
Nerve cells from the substantia nigra in the midbrain die, reducing dopamine production
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What does the substantia nigra normally do?
Nerve cells produce dopamine and link to frontal cortex, brain stem and spinal cord
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What are the first symptoms of Parkinson's?
Tremor, slow movement and stiffness of muscles, although because the rest of the brain compensates for a while, these symptoms only show when 80% of the dopamine producing cells are gone
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What are the possible causes of Parkinson's?
Below 50 years, most likely genetic. Above 50 the genetic link is weaker and environmental factors like toxins play a part
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What other problems occur as Parkinson's progresses?
Poor balance, difficulty walking, problems sleeping, depression, speech difficulties and even difficulty breathing
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What is the cure for Parkinson's?
There is no cure yet, only ways of easing or delaying symptoms. There are hopes for gene and stem cell therapy but these are controversial
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Why can't we give Parkinson's sufferers dopamine?
It can't cross the blood-brain barrier
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How does Levodopa help Parkinson's sufferers?
L-dopa is a precursor of dopamine that can cross the blood-brain barrier, and allows any remaining cells to synthesise more dopamine. Becomes less effective as more cells die
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How do dopamine agonists help Parkinson's sufferers?
Bind to dopamine receptors in synapses and mimic the effect of dopamine. Most effective at the beginning of the disease
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How do MAOB inhibitors help Parkinson's sufferers?
Monoaminoxidise B is an enzyme that breaks down dopamine in synapses. MOAB inhibitors prevent it from doing so, saving some dopamine from destruction
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What are the causes of depression?
They are extremely complex and not fully understood, but one cause may be abnormal serotonin pathways.
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Where does serotonin act?
A group of cells in the brain stem whose axons spread to the cortex, cerebellum and spinal cord
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What does a low serotonin level cause?
Fewer nerve impulses travelling around the brain, so overall brain activity is suppressed
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Other than serotonin, what other neurotransmitters may be involved in depression?
Dopamine and noradrenaline
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How can depression be treated?
Talking therapies and use of drugs
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What are SSRIs?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors - a group of antidepressants which inhibit reuptake proteins in the synapse, leaving more in the cleft so more impulses can fire
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How do tricyclic antidepressants fight depression?
TCA's increase the levels of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain
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How does MAOB help sufferers of depression?
Monoaminoxidase B is an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters; MAOB inhibitors prevent it from doing so, allowing the neurotransmitter more time in the synapse to cause more downstream impulses
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What effect do antidepressants have on the patient?
Often help to lift the mood and improve ability to sleep
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
What is the blood-brain barrier?
Back
Very closely joined endothelial cells lining brain capillaires, preventing bacterial infections and making it difficult for therapeutic drugs to get through
Card 3
Front
List the 5 stages in synaptic transmission that drugs can target
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