Question

Neurotransmitters paper URGENT Please

Objectives of the Assignment

1. Research and learn about the different classes of NTs and Receptors
2. Search for credible information on the web and your textbook
3. Practice research techniques (information literacy) and source citation

Start with an introductory paragraph telling the reader what to expect in your paper
First, explain the specific release of NT used at the NMJ, the class of receptor it binds to, and how that specific NT is removed from the synaptic cleft
Then, explain the NTs used in the parasympathetic nervous system versus the NTs used in the sympathetic nervous system
Explain the difference between alpha and beta receptors
Explain the effect of certain NTs on five tissues/organs (minimum) in the body (heart, lungs, blood vessels, digestive system, etc.) while detailing the NT receptor class and type on each organ
Attempt to organize your thoughts and give some general statements about the different NTs, receptor classes, and receptor types (alpha vs beta) based upon the previous research that you can use to help you study
Finally, write a conclusion paragraph restating the main points of your paper

Answer 1

Neurotransmitters are substances which neurons use to communicate with one another & with their target tissues in the process of synaptic transmission.

Neurotransmitters are synthesized in & release from nerve endings into the sympatric cleft. From there, neurotransmitters bind to receptor proteins in the cellular membranes of the target tissue. The target tissue gets excited, inhibited or functionally modified in some other way. There are more than 40 neurotransmitters in the human nervous system.

Classification

Neurotransmitters can be classified as either EXCITATORY or INHIBITORY.

EXCITATORY neurotransmitters function to activate receptors on the postsynaptic membrane and enhance the effects of the action potential, while INHIBITORY neurotransmitters function to prevent an action potential. In addition to this neurotransmitters can also be classified based on their chemical structure;

• AMINO ACIDS: GABA, Glutamate
• MONOAMINES: Serotonin, histamine
• CATECHOLAMINES: Dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine

eg for excitatory neurotransmitters : Acetylcholine, norepinephrine, epinephrine.

Dopamine is both excitatory and inhibitory. GABA is inhibitory.

Mechanism of neurotransmission

Inside the terminal bouton of the presynaptic nerve fibre, numerous vesicles that contain neurotransmitters are produced and stored. When the presynaptic membrane in depolarised by an action potential, calcium voltage gated channels open. This leads to an influx of calcium ions into the terminal bouton, which changes the state of certain membrane proteins in the presynaptic membrane, and results in exocytosis of neurotransmitters from the terminal bouton into the synaptic cleft.

​​​​​​​After crossing the synaptic cleft, neurotransmitters bind to their receptors on the postsynaptic membrane. Once the neurotransmitter bind to its receptors, the lugand- gated channels of the postsynaptic membrane either open or close.