Reference no: EM133374329

Questions

1. Discuss the process of releasing Acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction in the absence and presence of Botulism toxin and describe how the toxin affects exocytosis.

2. In cardiac muscle, acetylcholine binds to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, which are G-protein coupled receptors that elicit a signal transduction pathway that induces cardiac muscle to relax. Outline how G-protein coupled receptors induce signal transduction pathways, including relevant secondary messengers.

3. Generally, after neurotransmitters are released in the neuromuscular junction, many neurotransmitters are recycled by a reuptake mechanism inherent in the pre-synaptic neuron. Based on your understanding of synaptic physiology, describe the function of an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and why it would be prescribed.

4. Predict the possible clinical outcomes of injecting botulinum neurotoxin intervenously, like a general anesthetic would be administered to a patient.

5. α-latrotoxin, a neurotoxin in black widow spider venom, also effects acetylcholine stimulation of the muscle. Organisms injected with α-latrotoxin exhibit uncontrollable muscle cramps and spasms, which after some time, are followed by complete flaccid muscle paralysis.

Considering what you know about the botulinum neurotoxin, hypothesize how α-latrotoxin may modulate exocytosis of acetylcholine.