Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology
Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications
5th Edition
Author(s)Stephen M. Stahl
TEST BANK
Item 1
Reference: Ch. 1, Classic Synaptic Neurotransmission
Question Stem: A patient’s seizure causes massive presynaptic
firing and neurotransmitter release. Which step in presynaptic
excitation–secretion coupling most directly triggers vesicular
exocytosis?
A. Activation of presynaptic G-protein coupled autoreceptors
B. Opening of voltage-gated calcium channels and Ca²⁺ influx
C. Activation of postsynaptic ionotropic receptors
D. Diffusion of neurotransmitter away from the cleft
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct (B): Voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels open during an
action potential, allowing Ca²⁺ influx that triggers vesicle
, fusion and neurotransmitter exocytosis. This is the core
mechanism of excitation–secretion coupling. (Stahl Ch.1,
Classic Synaptic Neurotransmission)
• A: Autoreceptors modulate release but do not directly
cause vesicle fusion; they provide feedback regulation.
• C: Postsynaptic receptor activation occurs after release and
does not trigger presynaptic vesicle exocytosis.
• D: Diffusion reduces synaptic concentration and affects
signaling duration, not the immediate trigger for release.
Teaching Point: Calcium influx at presynaptic terminals drives
vesicular neurotransmitter release.
Citation: Ch. 1, Classic Synaptic Neurotransmission. Cambridge
Assets
Item 2
Reference: Ch. 1, Neurotransmitters
Question Stem: A graduate nurse teaching students lists the
major neurotransmitters targeted by psychotropic drugs. Which
of the following is not one of the six key neurotransmitter
systems highlighted for psychopharmacology?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. Glutamate
D. Insulin
,Correct Answer: D
Rationales:
• Correct (D): Insulin is a peripheral hormone with central
effects but is not one of Stahl’s six key neurotransmitter
systems targeted by most psychotropic drugs.
• A: Dopamine is a principal psychopharmacologic
neurotransmitter.
• B: Serotonin is a primary target in psychopharmacology.
• C: Glutamate is an important excitatory neurotransmitter
relevant to psychotropic drugs.
Teaching Point: Psychopharmacology centers on serotonin,
norepinephrine, dopamine, glutamate, GABA, and
acetylcholine.
Citation: Ch. 1, Neurotransmitters. Cambridge Assets
Item 3
Reference: Ch. 1, Neurotransmission: Classic, Retrograde, and
Volume
Question Stem: A patient uses exogenous cannabinoids and
reports altered synaptic transmission. Which mechanism best
explains how endocannabinoids normally modulate synaptic
signaling?
, A. They act as classic presynaptic neurotransmitters stored in
vesicles.
B. They act as retrograde messengers synthesized
postsynaptically and inhibit presynaptic release.
C. They increase postsynaptic AMPA receptor insertion.
D. They are broken down in the synaptic cleft by
acetylcholinesterase.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct (B): Endocannabinoids are synthesized
postsynaptically and travel retrogradely to presynaptic
terminals to decrease transmitter release (retrograde
neurotransmission).
• A: Endocannabinoids are not stored in vesicles for classic
presynaptic release.
• C: Endocannabinoids typically reduce presynaptic release
rather than increasing AMPA insertion.
• D: Endocannabinoids are not hydrolyzed by
acetylcholinesterase.
Teaching Point: Endocannabinoids are retrograde messengers
that suppress presynaptic release.
Citation: Ch. 1, Neurotransmission: Classic, Retrograde, and
Volume. Cambridge Assets
Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications
5th Edition
Author(s)Stephen M. Stahl
TEST BANK
Item 1
Reference: Ch. 1, Classic Synaptic Neurotransmission
Question Stem: A patient’s seizure causes massive presynaptic
firing and neurotransmitter release. Which step in presynaptic
excitation–secretion coupling most directly triggers vesicular
exocytosis?
A. Activation of presynaptic G-protein coupled autoreceptors
B. Opening of voltage-gated calcium channels and Ca²⁺ influx
C. Activation of postsynaptic ionotropic receptors
D. Diffusion of neurotransmitter away from the cleft
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct (B): Voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels open during an
action potential, allowing Ca²⁺ influx that triggers vesicle
, fusion and neurotransmitter exocytosis. This is the core
mechanism of excitation–secretion coupling. (Stahl Ch.1,
Classic Synaptic Neurotransmission)
• A: Autoreceptors modulate release but do not directly
cause vesicle fusion; they provide feedback regulation.
• C: Postsynaptic receptor activation occurs after release and
does not trigger presynaptic vesicle exocytosis.
• D: Diffusion reduces synaptic concentration and affects
signaling duration, not the immediate trigger for release.
Teaching Point: Calcium influx at presynaptic terminals drives
vesicular neurotransmitter release.
Citation: Ch. 1, Classic Synaptic Neurotransmission. Cambridge
Assets
Item 2
Reference: Ch. 1, Neurotransmitters
Question Stem: A graduate nurse teaching students lists the
major neurotransmitters targeted by psychotropic drugs. Which
of the following is not one of the six key neurotransmitter
systems highlighted for psychopharmacology?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. Glutamate
D. Insulin
,Correct Answer: D
Rationales:
• Correct (D): Insulin is a peripheral hormone with central
effects but is not one of Stahl’s six key neurotransmitter
systems targeted by most psychotropic drugs.
• A: Dopamine is a principal psychopharmacologic
neurotransmitter.
• B: Serotonin is a primary target in psychopharmacology.
• C: Glutamate is an important excitatory neurotransmitter
relevant to psychotropic drugs.
Teaching Point: Psychopharmacology centers on serotonin,
norepinephrine, dopamine, glutamate, GABA, and
acetylcholine.
Citation: Ch. 1, Neurotransmitters. Cambridge Assets
Item 3
Reference: Ch. 1, Neurotransmission: Classic, Retrograde, and
Volume
Question Stem: A patient uses exogenous cannabinoids and
reports altered synaptic transmission. Which mechanism best
explains how endocannabinoids normally modulate synaptic
signaling?
, A. They act as classic presynaptic neurotransmitters stored in
vesicles.
B. They act as retrograde messengers synthesized
postsynaptically and inhibit presynaptic release.
C. They increase postsynaptic AMPA receptor insertion.
D. They are broken down in the synaptic cleft by
acetylcholinesterase.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct (B): Endocannabinoids are synthesized
postsynaptically and travel retrogradely to presynaptic
terminals to decrease transmitter release (retrograde
neurotransmission).
• A: Endocannabinoids are not stored in vesicles for classic
presynaptic release.
• C: Endocannabinoids typically reduce presynaptic release
rather than increasing AMPA insertion.
• D: Endocannabinoids are not hydrolyzed by
acetylcholinesterase.
Teaching Point: Endocannabinoids are retrograde messengers
that suppress presynaptic release.
Citation: Ch. 1, Neurotransmission: Classic, Retrograde, and
Volume. Cambridge Assets
