Chapter 30 Main Points

🔑 Key Definitions

          Neurotransmitter: Chemical messenger released at synapse that affects postsynaptic neuron

          Synapse: Junction between two neurons consisting of presynaptic terminal, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic membrane

          Synaptic Cleft: Small gap (~20-40 nanometers) between presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons

          Receptor: Protein molecule on postsynaptic membrane that binds specific neurotransmitters

📅 Historical Breakthrough (1950s-1960s)

Reserpine: Drug that depletes monoamines; caused depression-like symptoms in patients
Chlorpromazine: First antipsychotic drug; blocks dopamine receptors; reduced schizophrenia symptoms
LSD: Discovered to affect serotonin systems; demonstrated chemical basis of consciousness/perception
Significance: These drugs proved that mental states depend on brain chemistry

🧠 Neurotransmitter Classification

Monoamines: Dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin (all derived from amino acids)
Amino Acids: Glutamate (excitatory), GABA (inhibitory), glycine
Acetylcholine: Cholinergic system; muscle contraction, arousal, memory
Neuropeptides: Endorphins, substance P, neuropeptide Y

📊 Synapse Structure

Presynaptic Terminal: Contains synaptic vesicles filled with neurotransmitter
Synaptic Cleft: Extracellular space where neurotransmitter diffuses
Postsynaptic Membrane: Contains receptors that bind neurotransmitter

💡 Exam Tips

1950s-60s drug discoveries = birth of psychopharmacology
Remember: Reserpine depletes NTs (causes depression), Chlorpromazine blocks dopamine (treats schizophrenia)
LSD affects serotonin - showed chemistry underlies perception
Three main NT classes: monoamines, amino acids, acetylcholine
Synapse has three parts: presynaptic, cleft, postsynaptic
This era revolutionized treatment of mental illness