Ch.14 – Neurotransmitters In The – Test Questions & Answers - From Neuron to Brain 6e | Test Bank Martin by A. Robert Martin. DOCX document preview.
Chapter 14: Neurotransmitters in the Central Nervous System
Test Bank
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 01
1. What is the role of acetylcholine at the vertebrate neuromuscular junction?
Feedback: Subhead: Chemical Transmission in the CNS
Learning Objective: Describe the roles played by glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glycine in the vertebrate CNS.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. It leads to hyperpolarization of post synaptic membrane potential.
b. It triggers a cascade of phosphorylations that lead to gene transcription factors being activated.
c. It directs excitation of the post synaptic membrane.
d. It leads to presynaptic autoinhibition.
e. It binds to muscarinic cholinergic receptors.
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 02
2. Which of the following is an effect of GABA?
Feedback: Subhead: Chemical Transmission in the CNS
Learning Objective: Describe the roles played by glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glycine in the vertebrate CNS.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. It inhibits muscle fibers in invertebrate systems.
b. It excites muscle fibers in vertebrate systems.
c. It is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.
d. It is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the spinal cord.
e. It reduces conductance of chloride.
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 03
3. Which of the following is the major modern technique used to localize most neurotransmitters and their receptors?
Feedback: Subhead: Chemical Transmission in the CNS
Learning Objective: Describe the roles played by glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glycine in the vertebrate CNS.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Patch clamp recordings
b. Intracellular recordings
c. HRP injections
d. Amperometry
e. Immunohistochemical methods
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 04
4. Which is most likely used to describe a serotonergic neuron?
Feedback: Subhead: Chemical Transmission in the CNS
Learning Objective: Describe the roles played by glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glycine in the vertebrate CNS.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Confined to special nuclei in the brainstem
b. Only binds to ionotropic receptors
c. Only involved in locomotor function
d. Usually works in a fast manner
e. Generally leads to hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 05
5. Which synapse is a model for GABAergic action?
Feedback: Subhead: Chemical Transmission in the CNS
Learning Objective: Describe the roles played by glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glycine in the vertebrate CNS.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Schaffer collaterals of the hippocampus
b. Crustacean NMJ
c. Frog NMJ
d. Substantia nigra compacta projections to striatum
e. Interneurons onto dorsal horn sensory cells in the spinal cord
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 06
6. Which is not an example of an indirect transmitter?
Feedback: Subhead: Chemical Transmission in the CNS
Learning Objective: Name five indirect transmitters that enhance or reduce transmission through synaptic pathways in the CNS.
Bloom’s Level: 1. Remembering
a. Norepinephrine
b. ATP
c. γ-aminobutyric acid
d. 5-HT
e. Histamine
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 07
7. How were cholinergic neurons first localized?
Feedback: Subhead: Mapping Neurotransmitter Pathways
Learning Objective: Describe two different methods used to identify neurotransmitters and their receptors.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Histochemical stain for cholinesterase
b. Patch clamp recordings
c. Intracellular recordings
d. Amperometry
e. In situ hybridization for enzymes
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 08
8. What type of receptors do enkephalins activate?
Feedback: Subhead: Mapping Neurotransmitter Pathways
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of enkephalins and orexins.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Cholinergic
b. Adrenergic
c. Glutaminergic
d. Opioid
e. GABAergic
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 09
9. Morphine-like activity is mimicked by which neurotransmitter?
Feedback: Subhead: Mapping Neurotransmitter Pathways
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of enkephalins and orexins.
Feedback: Subhead:
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Acetylcholine
b. Glutamate
c. GABA
d. Enkephalin
e. Serotonin
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 10
10. Which is a known antagonist to morphine?
Feedback: Subhead: Mapping Neurotransmitter Pathways
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of enkephalins and orexins.
Bloom’s Level: 1. Remembering
a. MK-801
b. Naloxone
c. Strychnine
d. Arsenic
e. TTX
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 11
11. Narcolepsy is due to an absence of
Feedback: Subhead: Mapping Neurotransmitter Pathways
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of enkephalins and orexins.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. acetylcholine
b. glutamate
c. orexins
d. GABA
e. glycine
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 12
12. Which neurotransmitter is a peptide?
Feedback: Subhead: Mapping Neurotransmitter Pathways
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of enkephalins and orexins.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Orexins
b. Acetylcholine
c. Glutamate
d. GABA
e. Glycine
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 13
13. Which receptor leads to fast currents when glutamate is released presynaptically?
Feedback: Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. NMDA receptors
b. Kainate receptors
c. Opioid receptors
d. Cholinergic receptors
e. AMPA receptors
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 14
14. Drugs such as benzodiazepine compounds and barbiturates bind at
Feedback: Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. glycine receptors.
b. ionotropic Glutamate receptors.
c. nicotinic Acetylcholine receptors.
d. GABAA receptor.
e. metabotropic glutamate receptors.
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 15
15. Which of the following is used to limit neurotransmitter release from the presynaptic area?
Feedback: Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Glycine receptors
b. GABAB receptor
c. Ionotropic Glutamate receptors
d. Nicotinic Acetylcholine receptors
e. Metabotropic glutamate receptors
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 16
16. Which area is an important source of acetylcholine for the cerebral cortex and hippocampus?
Feedback: Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Neurons of the raphe nucleus
b. Neurons of the nucleus basalis of the basal forebrain
c. Neurons of the red nucleus
d. Neurons of the pontine nuclei
e. Neurons of the nucleus ambiguous
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 17
17. Which of the following are blocked by alpha-bungarotoxin and have a high permeability to calcium ions?
Feedback: Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channels
b. GABAB receptor channel
c. muscarinic cholinergic receptors
d. adrenergic receptors
e. NK receptors
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 18
18. One of the earliest and most profound changes found in patients with Alzheimer’s disease is
Feedback: Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. death of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons.
b. death of striatal GABAergic neurons.
c. death of raphe serotonergic neurons.
d. loss of the subthalamic neurons.
e. degeneration of the basal forebrain cholinergic neurons.
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 19
19. What is the primary effect of norepinephrine on its target neurons in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex?
Feedback: Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Inhibits slow calcium activated potassium current
b. Excites the slow sodium conductance in AMPA receptors
c. Excites the fast sodium conductance in NMDA receptors
d. Modulates the sodium current in muscarinic ACh receptors
e. Inhibits tonic sodium activity of thalamic neurons.
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 20
20. Noradrenergic neurons are concentrated in which location?
Feedback: Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Raphe nucleus
b. Basal forebrain
c. Substantia nigra
d. Locus coeruleus
e. Dorsal hypothalamus
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 21
21. Serotonergic neurons are concentrated in which location?
Feedback: Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Locus coeruleus
b. Basal forebrain
c. Raphe nucleus
d. Substantia nigra
e. Dorsal hypothalamus
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 22
22. Certain drugs can reduce inflammation related to rashes and insect bites. The usual side effect of taking these drugs is to become sleepy. Which best describes this group of biogenic amines?
Feedback: Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Prozac (fluoxetine)
b. cocaine
c. antihistamine
d. barbiturate
e. alcohol
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 23
23. mGluR6 receptors are most often found in which location?
Feedback: Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Retinal bipolar cells
b. Retina ganglion cells
c. Mueller cells
d. Dorsal horn cells in the spinal cord
e. Presynaptic glutaminergic fibers.
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 24
24. Enhancement of which receptor currents is responsible for some of the effects of ethanol?
Feedback: Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. GABAB
b. mGluR6
c. mAChR
d. NK
e. GABAA
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 25
25. If you wanted to examine if a GABAB receptor was involved at a specific synapse, which would you use?
Feedback: Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 3. Applying
a. MK-801, which would inhibit selectively GABAB receptors
b. Baclofen, which would activate selectively GABAB receptors
c. Barbiturates, which prolong the postsynaptic current at GABAB receptors
d. Nicotine, which would enhance the postsynaptic current at GABAB receptors
e. TTX, which would decrease the presynaptic current at GABAB receptors
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 26
26. Atropine blocks which receptor complexes?
Feedback: Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Nicotinic cholinergic
b. mGluR6
c. NMDA
d. AMPA
e. Muscarinic cholinergic
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 27
27. The primary effect of norepinephrine on target neurons in the hippocampus is to
Feedback: Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. enhance the voltage gated calcium channels.
b. enhance NMDA receptors allowing increased calcium current.
c. inhibit the slow calcium activated potassium current.
d. block opioid receptors leading to pain.
e. co-activate serotonergic receptors.
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 28
28. Giving L-dopa is one of the earliest treatments for
Feedback: Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Parkinson's disease.
b. Alzheimer's disease.
c. multiple sclerosis.
d. myasthenia gravis.
e. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 29
29. Recently, a mutation for a gene for a synthetic enzyme of a neurotransmitter has shown to be related to Tourette’s syndrome. This is more evidence that this neurotransmitter is involved in which of the following functions?
Feedback: Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Cognitive abilities
b. Locomotion
c. Memory
d. Learning
e. neurosecretion
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 30
30. Which of the following is not true about neurotransmitters?
Feedback: Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Acetylcholine is removed from the synaptic cleft by the use of acetylcholinesterase.
b. Glutamate is removed from the synaptic cleft by uptake to glial cells.
c. Norepinephrine is synthesized locally at the presynaptic area.
d. Enkephalin is synthesized locally at the presynaptic area.
e. Peptide neurotransmitters are packaged into dense core vesicles at the presynaptic area.
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 31
31. Substance P works at which receptor?
Feedback: Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 1. Remembering
a. NMDA
b. AMPA
c. Nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh)
d. Antihistamine
e. NK
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 32
32. Substance P’s role in the nervous system is to relay information regarding which stimuli?
Feedback: Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Acute pain
b. Prolonged pain
c. Color in vision
d. Texture in vision
e. Motor action
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 33
33. Where are orexins found in the CNS?
Feedback: Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Globus pallidus external
b. Hypothalamus
c. Pontine nuclei
d. Substantia nigra
e. Red nucleus
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 34
34. One of the key functions of orexins is to
Feedback: Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 1. Remembering
a. trigger voluntary walking.
b. inhibit reflexive action.
c. promote awakening.
d. curtail appetite.
e. reduce short term pain.
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 35
35. Orexin containing neurons are located in which area of the CNS?
Feedback: Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 1. Remembering
a. Medial geniculate nucleus
b. Ventral posterior lateral nucleus
c. Substantia nigra
d. Posterior lateral hypothalamus
e. Dorsal horn
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 36
36. Which CNS location is most likely involved in awakening via trigger from orexinergic neurons in the lateral hypothalamus?
Feedback: Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Arcuate nucleus
b. Cerebral cortex
c. Locus coeruleus
d. Olfactory bulb
e. Hippocampus
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 37
37. Orexinergic neurons trigger increased food intake from release of
Feedback: Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. hypothalamic neuropeptide Y.
b. substance P.
c. morphine.
d. secretin.
e. CCK.
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 38
38. What would the result be if you increase the concentration of glucose and record intracellularly from orexinergic neurons?
Feedback: Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 4. Analyzing
a. There will be no change in the membrane potential.
b. There would be an increase in the release of acetylcholine.
c. Orexinergic neurons will begin to fire spontaneously.
d. The membrane potential of the neurons will become more negative.
e. Orexinergic neurons only going to the dorsal raphe will begin to fire spontaneously.
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 39
39. What is the location of the neurons containing vasopressin?
Feedback: Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 1. Remembering
a. Supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus
b. Red nucleus
c. Locus coeruleus
d. Raphe nucleus
e. Periaqueductal gray matter
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 40
40. Lactation is triggered by the release of
Feedback: Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. vasopressin.
b. orexin.
c. substance P.
d. histamine.
e. oxytocin.
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 41
41. Which area of the CNS is involved in social behavior that is regulated by vasopressin and oxytocin?
Feedback: Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Red nucleus
b. Prefrontal cortex
c. Locus coeruleus
d. Raphe nucleus
e. Periaqueductal gray matter
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 42
42. Which of the following leads to increased bonding between female voles?
Feedback: Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 1. Remembering
a. Substance P
b. Orexin
c. Oxytocin
d. Ghrelin
e. GABA
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 43
43. Facilitation of pair bonding involves suppression of the normal fear response which is generated in the
Feedback: Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. red nucleus.
b. locus coeruleus.
c. raphe nucleus.
d. amygdala.
e. periaqueductal gray matter.
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 44
44. Vasopressin is involved in which gland of the endocrine system?
Feedback: Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
a. Posterior pituitary glans
b. Thyroid gland
c. Adrenal cortex
d. Adrenal medulla
e. Pineal gland
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 45
45. What is the function of vasopressin in renal homeostasis?
Feedback: Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 1. Remembering
a. Increases sleepiness
b. Promotes water reabsorption
c. Increases wakefulness
d. Increases appetite
e. Increases glucose levels in blood
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 46
46. Compare the inactivation of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction to glutamate at a synapse in the CNS.
Feedback: Acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction is degraded by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase into acetate and choline. Glutamate are rapidly taken up by pumps in the presynaptic membrane of the releasing neuron and by nearby glial cells.
Subhead: Chemical Transmission in the CNS
Learning Objective: Describe the roles played by glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glycine in the vertebrate CNS.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 47
47. Describe some of the indirect neurotransmitters that are used to modulate transmission through synaptic pathways in the CNS and how they work.
Feedback: The indirect neurotransmitters include small molecules such as acetylcholine, ATP, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, histamine, and some neuropeptides. All of these work on G coupled receptors. Some also activate ligand gated ion channels.
Subhead: Chemical Transmission in the CNS
Learning Objective: Name five indirect transmitters that enhance or reduce transmission through synaptic pathways in the CNS.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 48
48. Explain how you would determine experimentally the functional aspect of a specific neuron in vivo.
Feedback: If interested in a particular neuron, you can express a tagged, light activated, protein channel. channelrhodopsin-2 into the neurons of interest. These neurons located in a slice of tissue could be stimulated selectively by a flash of light which opens the channelrhodopsin channels leading to depolarization the neuron and this could be recorded.
Subhead: Mapping Neurotransmitter Pathways
Learning Objective: Describe two different methods used to identify neurotransmitters and their receptors.
Bloom’s Level: 5. Evaluating
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 49
49. Describe one way to visualize a neurotransmitter of interest or its receptor in the cell body and a second way to identify them in the presynaptic area.
Feedback: In the cell body in situ hybridization can locate mRNA of key enzymes or transporters for specific types of neurotransmitters before they are transported from the cell body. In the presynaptic area, immunohistochemical methods can localize neurotransmitters or their receptors.
Subhead: Mapping Neurotransmitter Pathways
Learning Objective: Describe two different methods used to identify neurotransmitters and their receptors.
Bloom’s Level: 4. Analyzing
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 50
50. In your research activities you are observing at neuron 1 synapse onto neuron 2. You are able to record presynaptically from neuron 1 and you find a consistent duration of the action potential. However, if you apply enkephalin, you find a much shorter duration action potential. What is the likely mechanism underlying your observation?
Feedback: Enkephalin is likely being released near the synapse and leading to the decrease in duration of the action potential by reducing calcium current at neuron 1’s presynaptic site. Reduction of presynaptic calcium current would be one explanation for this observation.
Subhead: Mapping Neurotransmitter Pathways
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of enkephalins and orexins.
Bloom’s Level: 5. Evaluating
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 51
51. How were orexins discovered to be neurotransmitters?
Feedback: Orexins were discovered by two independent groups of researchers who used orphan genes. These are genes that have no known function. The group that looked at the gene for the transmitter constructed a complimentary DNA library from the rat hypothalamus and searched for the mRNA products of these cDNAs selectively concentrated in the hypothalamus. The cDNA from one of those mRNA products was concentrated in the synapses of the dorsolateral hypothalamus and encoded two peptides. The peptides excited hypothalamic neurons were exited when these peptides were applied to them. This was called hypocretin.
A second group looked at the gene for the receptor among a group of orphan G Protein coupled receptors. They expressed the receptors in cell lines and examined for brain extracts that would increase the cell’s intracellular calcium. Following purification they sequenced two peptides which they called orexin-A and -B.
Subhead: Mapping Neurotransmitter Pathways
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of enkephalins and orexins.
Bloom’s Level: 3. Applying
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 52
52. Compare and contrast ionotropic with metabotropic receptors.
Feedback: Ionotropic receptors are proteins that contain a channel that will respond when the appropriate ligand binds to the complex’s binding site. They are usually found at “fast” synapses where the response of the postsynaptic cell occurs quickly. In contrast metabotropic receptors do not have a channel directly related to the receptor complex. Instead when bound by the appropriate ligand the complex is modified to trigger the activation of an intracellular protein which will then trigger a biochemical cascade of reactions leading to a response. Ofter these intracellular molecules are G proteins which are activated by the bound metabotropic receptor. The response may include channel opening or closing but the channel is not directly part of the receptor complex. These responses usually take longer than the type of responses found at ionotropic receptors, however they can result in much longer lasting modifications to the synapse.
Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Explain what metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are.
Bloom’s Level: 3. Applying
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 53
53. What advantage do AMPA receptors have over other types of receptors in terms of synaptic plasticity? How does this come about?
Feedback: AMPA receptors are not tightly held in the postsynaptic membrane as other receptors and have a short lifetime in the postsynaptic membrane. They recycle from the cell surface to subsynaptic apparatus. There are a number of proteins that regulate this trafficking which are controlled by events that occur at the synapse, particularly the activity history. This allows for rapid changes in the numbers of receptors to the postsynaptic membrane leading to changes in the receptors available during neural activity.
Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 4. Analyzing
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 54
54. Describe an example of how a metabotropic glutamate receptor can affect internal biochemistry of the postsynaptic neuron.
Feedback: Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors when bound couple with a G protein and trigger the phospholipase C-phosphoinositide pathway. This pathway leads to the release of two intracellular second messengers, inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG). IP3 leads to the release of internal calcium and DAG activates protein kinase C (PKC). The increase of calcium synergizes with NMDA receptor activation in inducing long term potentiation.
Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 3. Applying
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 55
55. Compare and contrast the NMDA receptor with the AMPA receptor.
Feedback: NMDA receptors differ from AMPA receptors in that their channel opens slower, the channel is blocked by a magnesium ion, and it only allows ions to pass when the membrane is depolarized and the receptor is bound. In addition, they differ from AMPA since they have a higher permeability of calcium compared to sodium ions. Both receptors are similar in that they are both found in the CNS and both are bound by glutamate.
Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 3. Applying
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 56
56. Explain what is meant by “volume transmission” of acetylcholine.
Feedback: While some of the cholinergic axons to the cortex end in morphologically defined synapses onto dendrites, the majority of release sites consist of varicosities (swellings) along the axons that do not make direct contact with the postsynaptic neuron. The release process is rapid like found at a true synapse but may occur some distance from the target receptors.
Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 3. Applying
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 57
57. Describe the actions of the dopaminergic projection from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens. Explain the effect of cocaine on this area.
Feedback: This is a reward signaling system with the neurons increasing their firing rate with anticipation of or in response to pleasurable events. This is the area where the principal action of cocaine addiction occurs. Cocaine inhibits the dopamine transporter and leads to the increase of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens.
Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 3. Applying
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 58
58. Describe ATP’s involvement with neuroglial signaling.
Feedback: Neuroglial cells have ATP receptors. It is possible that ATP released from a neuron activates glial cell purinoceptors to increase intracellular calcium concentration, which then releases ATP from glial cells to neurons and alters their activity. The ATP also activates neighboring glial cells to spread the signal.
Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 3. Applying
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 59
59. Describe the action of GABAB receptors that are located postsynaptically.
Feedback: Binding at this receptor leads to opening of an inwardly rectifying G protein-gated potassium channels. This current leads to a membrane hyperpolarization and delayed postsynaptic inhibition. These type of GABA receptors are generally located around the periphery of the synapse (perisynaptically) and do not usually respond to a single afferent stimulus but are activated by a spillover of GABA during a repetitive stimulus.
Subhead: Key Transmitters
Learning Objective: Describe the transmitter properties and functions of acetylcholine, biogenic amines, and ATP.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 60
60. Contrast how peptide neurotransmitters differ from small molecule neurotransmitters.
Feedback: Peptide neurotransmitters are synthesized in the cell body and then transported to the synapse, they are stored in dense core vesicles at the synapse, and generally have longer duration of action, unlike small molecule neurotransmitters which are synthesized in the synaptic area, stored in regular synaptic vesicles, and usually have short duration of action.
Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: List three ways in which peptides differ from small molecule transmitters such as amino acids and monoamines.
Bloom’s Level: 2. Understanding
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 61
61. Describe the role and location of Substance P in nociceptive (pain) transmission. Briefly explain a method used to study this neurotransmitter’s receptor system and the findings from these experiments.
Feedback: Substance P is highly concentrated in primary afferent pain sensing neurons and their unmyelinated axons and in the central endings of these neurons in the substantia gelatinosa in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. When these afferents are stimulated the substance P and glutamate are released. Substance P preferentially binds to NK1 receptors. NK1 receptors knock out mice have been used to study the role of NK1 receptors and the resultant responses to stimuli. These experiments have shown a reduced response to prolonged pain and has little effect on acute painful stimuli.
Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 3. Applying
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 62
62. Describe how the role of orexins was established in the CNS.
Feedback: When DNA sequences encoding the orexins are deleted, animals showed excessive nighttime sleeping. It was also found that dogs with narcolepsy, which have extreme daytime sleepiness, was associated with mutations in the gene encoding the orexin (OX2) receptor. Humans with narcolepsy do not necessarily have the mutation but lose orexin containing neurons and so do not produce enough orexin.
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Subhead:
Bloom’s Level: 3. Applying
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 63
63. What is the role of orexinergic neurons in sensing the nutritional state of an animal x?
Feedback: Orexinergic neurons act as sensors of the nutritional status by detecting levels of glucose. These neurons are spontaneously active when glucose is at low levels, but these neurons become silenced with increasing amounts of glucose. This is done by activating twin pore potassium channels and hyperpolarizing them. They can also be inhibited by the hormone leptin which is secreted by adipose cells and activated by the hormone ghrelin which is secreted from the stomach wall.
Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 3. Applying
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 64
64. You are interested in determining the involvement of neurotransmitter X on a specific behavior of an organism. Describe your hypothesis and the general methodology you would follow to show such a relationship.
Feedback: You would search for a relationship between neurotransmitter X and/or its receptors and the behavior of interest. The hypothesis would be that if neurotransmitter X is involved with this behavior then if an antagonist is applied to the receptor of neurotransmitter X then the behavior will be affected.
Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 5. Evaluating
Type: multiple choice question
Title: Chapter 14 Question 65
65. You have found a new species of birds and you observe a monogamous bonding between male and female. How would you go about determining which neurotransmitters might be involved?
Feedback: You could inject into the cerebrum a vasopressin V1A receptor antagonist and if you find that they become more aggressive and an increase in extra pair bonding this would suggest that vasopressin is the key neurotransmitter involved in this behavior.
Subhead: Peptides
Learning Objective: Describe the functions of substance P, opioid peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin.
Bloom’s Level: 5. Evaluating