PSY 315 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Caudate Nucleus, Prolactin, Tropolone
Document Summary
Catecholarminergic neurons neurotransmitters derived from catechol : one synthetic pathway, 3 different neurotransmitters, dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline, nor-epinephrine (nor-adrenaline) Termination of action: selective uptake into the pre-synaptic axon via na+ dependent uptake transporters: no degradative enzymes in synaptic cleft. Dopamine (da): only in cns; mood and focus, learning, memory, reward systems, motivation, voluntary movement. Synthesized from phenylalanine (phenylalanine hydroxylase) found in diet (wine/cheese) Primarily deactivated by re-uptake by the presynaptic action terminal into vesicles. Otherwise converted into tyrosine (tyrosine hydrolase) which becomes dopa da: dopa (dopa decarboxylase, monoamine oxidase (mao) eats up overabundant da, both pre/postsynaptic membranes, catechol-o-methyltransferase (comt) deactivates da, only postsynaptic membranes. Da can"t cross bbbarrier, so its precursor l-dopa is usually used. Dopamine as a transmitter vta and sn. Methylphenidate, amphetamine = increases release pleasure. Cocaine = blocks reuptake of da pleasure. Imipramine (antidepressant drug) = blocks reuptake of da allows accumulation of da and reduces depressive symptoms. Chlorpromazine: blocks da receptors; anti-depressant (reduces schizophrenic symptoms)
