Outline 1. The Ionic Basis of the Resting Membrane Potential 2. Four Factors Determine the Ionic Distribution that Underlies the Resting Membrane Potential a. Differential Permeability of the Membrane b. Sodium-Potassium Pumps c. Diffusion (Random Motion) d. Electrostatic Pressure 3. Postsynaptic Potentials 4. Generation of Action Potentials 5. Ionic Events Underlying Action Potentials 6. Conduction of Action Potentials a. Action Potentials are Nondecremental and Slow b. Myelin Increases the Speed of Conduction

Synaptic Transmission Outline: 1. Synaptic Contacts and Transmission a. Structure of Synapses b. Synthesis, Packing & Transport of Neurotransmitter Molecules c. Release of Neurotransmitter Molecules d. Activation of Receptors e. Reuptake, Degradation and Recycling 2. Neurotransmitters and Receptors a. Amino Acid Neurotransmitters b. Monoamine Neurotransmitters c. Acetylcholine d. Soluble Gas Neurotransmitters e. Neuropeptide Neurotransmitters 3. Pharmacology of Synaptic Transmission

Agonists Increase synthesis of NTs Block enzymes that destroy NTs Tryptophan (turkey; warm milk) L-Dopa Block enzymes that destroy NTs MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) Increase release from terminal buttons Amphetamine – reverse transporter Black widow venom – promotes release of ACh by interacting with the releasing proteins on presynaptic membrane Block Autoreceptor Research drugs (couldn’t find any interesting ones) Bind to post synaptic receptor and cause effects, or increase effectiveness of NT Benzodiazepines = Valium Block deactivation SSRI = Prozac; Zoloft SNRI = Effexor; Cymbalta Cocaine

Antagonists Blocks synthesis of NTs AMPT – blocks production of DA – can increase symptoms of depression in lab. Blocks storage/increases destruction of NTs Reserpine Blocks storage of monamines; used to treat high blood pressure; depression can be a side effect Prevent release of NTs Botulinum Toxin - Botulism (food poisoning). This toxin prevents the release of Ach leading to paralysis and potentially death Small doses prevent wrinkles = Botox Activate autoreceptor Aripiprazole – Inhibits DA release by activating the autoreceptor – used as an antipsychotic Block receptor Some antipsychotic drugs. Drugs that block serotonin receptors are used to treat the negative symptoms of schizophrenia (social problems, flattened affect).l