Deck 2: Chemical Signaling by Neurotransmitters and Hormones

Question 1

Which of the following is not one of the criteria a substance must meet to be considered a neurotransmitter?

A) A synthetic mechanism is present in the presynaptic cell.
B) Vesicles containing the substance move down the axon with the action potentials when the neuron is stimulated.
C) Receptors for the proposed substance are present on the postsynaptic cell.
D) There is a means for inactivating the substance.

Answer 1

Vesicles containing the substance move down the axon with the action potentials when the neuron is stimulated.

Question 2

The specific effect of a particular neurotransmitter at a particular synapse is largely determined by

A) the receptor subtype(s) present on the postsynaptic cell.
B) the rate of firing of the presynaptic cell.
C) reuptake and metabolism of the neurotransmitter.
D) the presence of antagonists at the synapse.

Answer 2

the receptor subtype(s) present on the postsynaptic cell.

Question 3

Activating a metabotropic receptor cannot result in

A) opening of a G protein-gated ion channel.
B) changes in the levels of a second messenger.
C) opening of an ion channel within the receptor.
D) changes in gene expression.

Answer 3

opening of an ion channel within the receptor.

Question 4

In contrast to the classical neurotransmitters and the neuropeptides, nitric oxide does not "behave" like a typical neurotransmitter. Which statement regarding nitric oxide signaling is false?

A) It may be released from the postsynaptic cell.
B) It is not released from synaptic vesicles via exocytosis.
C) It remains in the synaptic cleft until it is inactivated.
D) It may travel some distance before it reaches target cells.

Question 5

Binding of neurotrophic factors to their respective trk receptors results in the

A) activation of G proteins.
B) reciprocal phosphorylation of the two receptor molecules.
C) opening of ion channels.
D) activation of second messenger systems.

Question 6

Environmental stimuli, sensory stimuli, and psychoactive drugs can trigger long-lasting changes in neuronal connectivity. Collectively, these changes are termed

A) synaptic plasticity.
B) dendritic spine plasticity.
C) synaptic density.
D) sensitization.

Question 7

Secretory neurons from the hypothalamus release _______ and _______ into the bloodstream from the _______ pituitary.

A) prolactin; vasopressin; anterior
B) vasopressin; oxytocin; posterior
C) oxytocin; prolactin; posterior
D) releasing hormones; tropic; anterior

Question 8

Describe three types of symptoms typically associated with narcolepsy.

Question 9

What role might orexin play in narcolepsy? Briefly explain evidence that supports this role.

Question 10

Write a coherent and informative paragraph using the following terms: hypothalamus; posterior pituitary; median eminence; releasing hormones.

Question 11

Describe how drugs that block the D₂ dopamine receptor alter prolactin levels and release.

Question 12

Describe the evidence supporting the role of sex hormones in sensitivity to cocaine.