Brain Science with Ginger Campbell, MD: Neuroscience for Everyone

BS 210 Introduction to Neurotransmitters

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Jul 28, 2023
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INSIGHT

Receptors Dictate Neurotransmitter Effects

  • Neurons transmit signals digitally via action potentials but use analog chemical signals at synapses with neurotransmitters.
  • The receptor type, not the neurotransmitter itself, determines the postsynaptic effect, enabling versatile signaling.
INSIGHT

Two Receptor Types Explained

  • Ionotropic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels producing rapid effects.
  • Metabotropic G-protein-coupled receptors use slower second messenger pathways for diverse intracellular effects.
INSIGHT

Criteria for Neurotransmitters

  • A neurotransmitter must be produced in the neuron, released upon stimulation, evoke a postsynaptic response, be mimicked externally, and be removed from the synapse.
  • Acetylcholine sets the standard criteria for neurotransmitter identification.
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