NeurotransmittersSlide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5Slide 6Acetylcholine Synthesis, Storage, Release, and EliminationSlide 8Slide 9Slide 10Slide 11Slide 12Slide 13SummaryNeurotransmitters•What are the known neurotransmitters?•How are the various neurotransmitters synthesized, stored, released, and eliminated?NeurotransmittersCriteria for being classified as a neurotransmitter–manufactured in neurons–released by neurons in response to activity–receptors–mechanism of terminationdiffusion, degradation, reuptake3 Main Categories of Neurotransmitters:1. Amino Acids2. Amines3. PeptidesOther Neurotransmitters:–Endocannabinoids–Gases (NO, CO)–ATPPeptide Neurotransmitter Synthesis, Storage, Release, and EliminationSmall Molecule Neurotransmitter Synthesis, Storage, Release, and EliminationAmino Acid Neurotransmitter Synthesis, Storage, Release, and EliminationAcetylcholine Synthesis, Storage, Release, and EliminationAcetylcholine is the neurotransmitter found at the neuromuscular junction. Why would AchE inhibitors be deadly?A. It would block transmission at the NMJ and the diaphragm would not move to breath.B. It would reduce the amount of acetylcholine being released and the diaphragm would not move enough.C. It would increase receptor activation at the NMJ, which would lead to the diaphragm seizing up.Catecholamine Synthesis, Storage, Release, and EliminationSerotonin Synthesis, Storage, Release, and EliminationSerotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs used to treat depression. They work by blocking serotonin transporters. What effect does this have on serotonergic synapses?A. Increases the amount of serotonin released by vesicles, thus increasing the amplitude of PSPsB. Decreases the amount of serotonin binding to receptors, thus decreasing the amplitude of PSPsC. Increases the amount of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, thus prolonging the postsynaptic signalGas and Endocannabinoid Neurotransmitter Synthesis, Storage, Release, and EliminationATP Synthesis, Storage, Release, and EliminationSummary•The major neurotransmitters are either amino acids, amines, or peptides, although there are also some unusual transmitters, such as endocannabinoids, gases, and ATP•Most neurotransmitters are “repurposed” molecules or derivatives of molecules used by cells for other purposes•Drugs can affect synaptic transmission by targeting neurotransmitter processing (synthesis, storage, release, and