Neurotransmitter

Harliansyah,Ph.D
Chairman of Dept. Biochemistry FKUY
1st Floor YARSI TOWER, Cempaka Putih 10510, Jakarta
Ph. +6221-4244 574 ext 3107
Email: ianshr2001@yahoo.com

Overview
The human brain contains about 1012 neurons, and some
neurons make 1000 connections
Dendrites, cell body, axon
The cell body contains the nucleus, and this is where
almost all protein synthesis occurs
The cell body also contains nearly all of the lysosomes
Proteins and other molecules are transported from the
nucleus via axoplasmic transport
Axons are long processes specialized for the
conduction of action potentials
The nervous system also contains glial cells that support
and nourish the neurons (Schwann cells in the peripheral
nervous system)
Types of neurons: sensory neurons, interneurons, motor
neurons

Anatomy of
the Neuron
Arrows indicate the
direction of conduction of
the action potential
A motor neuron typically
has a single axon
The axon of the sensory
neuron branches after it
leaves the cell body
Both branches are
structurally and
functionally axons
The cell body is located
in the dorsal root
ganglion near the spinal
cord

How Do We Study Neural Communication ?

Neurotransmitter Receptors

Synapse
Term Synapse: Site where the Axon terminal or
Collateral makes functional contact with another cells.
Two kinds of Synapses:
Chemical:
Membranes of contiguous, cells are closely apposed
Neurotransmitter signals from pre synaptic cell to post
synaptic cell.
Physically separated but coupled via specialized
structures, slower than electrical synapses.
Uses diffusible neurotransmitter molecule
Can be modulated and Metabolic amplification.

Synapse. contd
Electrical:
Cells are electrically coupled by the presence of
connexins.
Very fast
Metabolically economical
Can mediate inhibitory and retrograde signaling

Mechanism of Action Potential

Acetylcholine
Grandfather of all neurotransmitters
Sites of action

Vertebrate neuromuscular junction: nicotinic

Pre-and post-ganglionic parasympathetic: nicotinic
and muscarinic, respectively
Pre-ganglionic parasympathetic: nicotinic
Present in CNS (both Muscarinic and Nicotinic
receptors)

Inactivated by hydrolysis (the only classical

neurotransmitter that is inactivated by
metabolism)
Pathology
Alzheimer (?)

Acetylcholine Metabolism

ACh is inactivated by hydrolysis

Thanks for your attention