Brain Science with Ginger Campbell, MD: Neuroscience for Everyone BS 210 Introduction to Neurotransmitters
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Jul 28, 2023 AI Snips
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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.
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.
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.