PSY290H1 Lecture 3: Lecture 3 - Neurochemistry
Document Summary
Neurotransmitter-receptor interactions: receptor act as >> lock, neurotransmitter >> key. Simplest receptor b/c they directly control ion channel. When neurotransmitters attach to these, effects are fast-acting and effects short-lived. Multiple sub-units that make up receptor and channel. Indirectly control ion channels via activation of g-proteins. Sublet of g-protein (connected to receptor) breaks off and binds to a nearby channel which opens/closes the ion channel. Can also control ion channels through secondary messengers: g-protein goes to an enzyme (for example) and then a second messenger is sent from that, however the second messenger doesn"t necessarily have to activate an ion channel. Slow-acting and produce sustained activity: b/c more steps that need to take place, other ways of classifying receptors, based on the type of post-synaptic potentials they are associated with i. ii. Ex = transporters (receptors found on pre-synaptic terminal/ involved in reuptake) Take back up the neurotransmitter that has been released (recycling mechanism)