Slide 21 of 24
Notes:
Peptides are synthesized in the soma and transported to axon terminal in vesicles & Peptides are released from all parts of the terminal button and after release are enzymatically degraded (no reuptake)
Endogenous neuropeptide are the opioids; the drugs opium and heroin mimick the effects of our natural opioids
Opiate receptors activate analgesia, inhibit hiding/fleeing, stimulate reward.
Other peptides include oxytocin, substance P, vasopressin
Neurons use NO and CO to communicate with eachother:
Nitric oxide (NO) is created within cells from the amino acid arginine…different than nitrOUS oxide that you might find at a club or an old dentist’s office (giggle gas)!
NO exerts effects within intestinal muscles, dilates brain blood vessels, and contributes to the changes in blood vessels that produce penile erections…and thought to be involved in learning (in LTP-long term potentiation).
NO thought to be involved in Huntington’s chorea
NO is produced in several regions of the nerve cell; it just enters neighboring cells quickly and diffusely rather than activating receptors.
