Slide 19 of 24
Notes:
Some neurons secrete amino acids as NTs
Eg. Glutamate, GABA, Glycine; Glutamate (excitatory effects) & GABA (inhibitory effects) are 2 crucial communicators in the brain
Glutamate interacts with four receptor types:
NMDA receptor: controls a Ca++ (calcium) channel (involved in new memories) PCP, angel dust, though synthetic is associated with the NMDA receptor, acts as indirect antagonist.
AMPA receptor: controls Na+ (sodium) channels (most common glutamate receptor—produces EPSPs)
Kainate receptor: controls Na+ (sodium) channels (also produces EPSPs)
Metabotropic glutamate receptor (another kind of indirect receptor sensitive to glutamate).
GABA—benzodiazepines good anxiety dissolving drugs: help with sleep, relax muscles, reduce seizures; barbiturates sometimes used by vets for anesthetic surgery; progesterone acts on steroid binding site
Strychnine is a highly toxic glycine antagonist; tetanus prevents glycine release
