You are testing the effects of drugs on three identical, isolated neurons. You k

Question

You are testing the effects of drugs on three identical, isolated neurons. You know that if no drug is applied, the neuron (under the appropriate conditions) is capable of EPSP formation, action potential production, and acetylcholine release. What effect would each of the following three drugs have on these three functions?

Drug #1 blocks voltage-gated calcium channels

Drug #2 blocks voltage-gated sodium channels

Drug #3 causes chemically gated sodium channels to open and remain open indefinitely

Explanation / Answer

If the drug blocks voltage gated Ca channels, it will affect acetylcholine release because Ca influx is important for the fusion of acetylcholine filled vesicles with the nerve endings membrane.

If the drug blocks the Voltage gated Na channels, it blocks the generation and propagation of action potentials in neurons.

Flow of sodium ions into nerve cells is a necessary step in the conduction of nerve impulses in excitable nerve fibers and along axons.

If the drug causes chemically gated sodium channels to open and remain open indefinitely then the neuron will always be in excitatory state and will transmit the nerve impulses.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse Y
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.