Lecture Synapses, Properties & Transmission Dr. Roomi
Lecture Synapses, Properties & Transmission Dr. Roomi
Lecture Synapses, Properties & Transmission Dr. Roomi
SYNAPSES
Definition: it is the site of functional contact b/w two neurons at which an electric impulse is transmitted from one neuron to another.
Types of synapses- on the basis of site of contact 1. Axodendritic synapses (most common type) 2. Axosomatic synapses 3. Dendrodenritic synapses 4. axosaxonic synapses
Axon terminals Pre-synaptic membrane Post-synaptic membrane Synaptic cleft (20-30nm wide) Synaptic vesicles.
Events occurring at a chemical synapse during signal transmission (Synaptic Transmission Mechanism)
EPSP
Resembles EPP (end plate potential). There is localized hypo-polarization due to Na+ influx. Resting potential of cell body of neuron is -65mV. When EPSP is produced hypo-polarization potential becomes less negative reach threshold of excitation (-45mV) ACTION POTENTIAL in cell body.
Purpose of EPSP:
To bring potential of membrane to threshold value (-45mV) It is graded (directly proportional to amount of neuro-transmitter released).
IPSP:
Produced when postsynaptic neuron is inhibited. Neuro-transmitter is of inhibitory type (GABA, Glycine) It binds with receptors on post-synaptic membrane change in permeability of membrane for K+ or Cl(there is opening of K+ or Clchannels efflux of K+ cell becomes more negative hyper-polarization / IPSP. Opening of Cl- channels extra-cellular Cl- moves into the cell more negative hyper-polarization / IPSP.
Effect of IPSP:
Because of IPSP, resting potential which is -65mV, becomes -70 to -75mV Post-synaptic neuron is inhibited POST-SYNAPTIC INHIBITION.
Action Potential
High
Nil; it remains localized ( up Self propagating ( up to 2 to 20 msec) msec) absent Not obeyed. It is graded. Present present To Na+ & K+ at one time but Na+ influx > K+ efflux present obeyed absent Absent. Size is constant Na+ Influx , then K+ efflux
Refractory period All or none law Summation Decrement (decline of size with distance) Increased permeability to ions
LAW OF FORWARD CONDUCTION: Through synapses, impulses are conducted always from presynaptic to post synaptic neuron, never in backward direction. (NO REVERSE GEAR!!)
SYNAPTIC DELAY At a synapse, there is delay due to time taken in events during synaptic transmission. Through each synapse, there is delay of 0.5 milli seconds.
FATIGUE OF SYNAPTIC TRANSMISSION If impulses are conducted through a synapse repeatedly fatigue due to exhaustion of stores or progressive inactivation of receptors on post-synaptic membrane. Significance of fatigue??
Fatigue of synaptic transmission is protective in nature termination of epileptic fit.
SUMMATION: Adding up of effects of stimuli particularly if stimuli are subthreshold. On a single motor neuron, thousands of synaptic knobs terminate to form synapses. About 80% of these synapses are on dendrites, remaining on cell body & few on axons. So, single impulse coming to motor neuron through a synapse, cant excite a motor neuron & there must be summation of effects of stimuli.
TEMPORAL Impulses transmit through 1 or few synaptic knobs repeatedly effects on post-synaptic neurons are added stimulation. Second stimulus must fall when effect of 1st one is still there.
SPATIAL Impulses are conducted along a number of synapses simultaneously effects on postsynaptic neuron are added excitation.
Increase excitability
Caffeine (cerebral stimulant) Theophylline Strychnine / Kuchla Decreased calcium (tetany)
Decrease excitability
Anesthetics Hypoxia Increased calcium (stabilize the membrane)