PSYC450 (PSYC450)

Chapter 8 provides an extensive overview of the roles of the neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA in the central nervous system. It delves into these neurotransmitters' synthesis, release, and inactivation processes, emphasizing their critical functions in excitatory and inhibitory neural transmission, respectively. The chapter highlights the mechanisms of excitotoxicity caused by excessive glutamate stimulation, which can lead to neuronal damage and death. This phenomenon is implicated in vari...

Chapter 7 on acetylcholine provides a comprehensive overview of the role and mechanisms of this essential neurotransmitter. It discusses the synthesis of acetylcholine (ACh) by the enzyme choline acetyltransferase from choline and acetyl coenzyme A and how its production is influenced by precursor availability and neuronal activity. The chapter also covers the storage and release of ACh in synaptic vesicles and the impact of various drugs and toxins on these processes, highlighting the effects o...

Chapter 6 - Serotonin provides a comprehensive overview of serotonin, covering its synthesis, release, inactivation, and functional roles within the brain and body. The chapter begins with a detailed explanation of serotonin synthesis, emphasizing the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin through the action of specific enzymes like tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) and aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). It highlights the importance of dietary tryptophan and discusses various factors affecting ...

Chapter 5 focuses on catecholamines, a group of neurotransmitters that include dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. The chapter begins by discussing the synthesis of catecholamines, outlining the multi-step biochemical pathways that convert tyrosine to dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. It emphasizes the role of specific enzymes, such as tyrosine hydroxylase, which catalyzes the rate-limiting step in catecholamine synthesis. The regulation of these synthetic pathways is also covere...