Many neurotoxins act by competitively binding to receptors on the post-synaptic membrane of a typical mammalian synapse. Assume you are studying the effects of a neurotoxin on a system where the post-synaptic neuron is an inhibitory neuron. What would you expect to see happen in this system and why?
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A toxin interferes with the opening of the Na+ channels in the postsynaptic membrane, causing them to open more slowly when bound to a neurotransmitter. What would be the effect on the formation of an action potential in the postsynaptic membrane?
Sri K.
The table below shows the effects of neurotoxins A, B, and C on the resting membrane potential, frequency of action potential of the pre-synaptic neuron, and post-synaptic neuron of a synapse: Neurotoxin Resting membrane potential Frequency of action potential of pre-synaptic neuron Frequency of action potential of post-synaptic neuron A -70 mV Decreased Increased B -100 mV Increased -70 mV C Not specified Not specified Not specified What types of neurotoxicity are associated with neurotoxins A and B? (Hints: explain the effects of A and B on the membrane permeability towards Na+ and K+ and the activity of the Na+/K+-ATPase that leads to the observed effects) Suggest the possible mechanism of action of neurotoxin C leading to the increase in frequency of action potential in the post-synaptic neuron: If neurotoxin C is administered to the neuromuscular junction, predict how the contractile strength of the muscle fiber would change.
(a) Describe the immediate effect of the neurotoxin on the number of action potentials in a postsynaptic neuron. Predict whether the maximum membrane potential of the postsynaptic neuron will increase, decrease, or stay the same. (b) The researcher proposes two models, A and B, for using acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme that degrades acetylcholine, to prevent the effect of the neurotoxin. In model A, AChE is added to the synapse. In model B, AChE is added to the cytoplasm of the postsynaptic cell. Predict the effectiveness of EACH proposed model. Provide reasoning to support your predictions.
Adi S.
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