Neurotransmitters

Synonyms: Neural mediators, Neural transmitter, Synaptic Transmitters

Julen Lux Baranano

edited by

Joshua Klemt,

1. Definition

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons or between neurons and other target cells, facilitating communication within the nervous system.

Glial Cells (non-neuronal cells) can regulate neurotransmitter levels, reuptake, and degradation.

2. Function

Signal Transmission: Mediate communication between neurons by transmitting signals across synapses
Muscle Cells: At neuromuscular junctions, neurotransmitters cause muscle contraction
Regulation of Body Functions: Influence various physiological functions such as mood, cognition, heart rate, digestion and sleep

3. Classification

Excitatory: Promote depolarization of the postsynaptic cell, increasing the likelihood of an action potential
Inhibitory: Cause hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic cell, reducing the likelihood of an action potential
Modulatory: Alter the strength or response of synaptic transmission without directly causing depolarization or hyperpolarization

4. Types

4.1. Amino Acids

Glutamate: The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA): The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS
Glycine: Another inhibitory neurotransmitter, particularly in the spinal cord

4.2. Monoamines

Dopamine: Involved in reward, motivation, and motor control
Serotonin: Regulates mood, appetite, and sleep
Norepinephrine: Involved in arousal, attention, and stress responses
Histamine: Plays a role in wakefulness and immune response

4.3. Peptides

Endorphins: Act as natural painkillers and stress relievers
Substance P: Involved in pain perception and inflammation

4.4. Purines

Adenosine: Involved in sleep regulation and vasodilation
ATP: Acts as a neurotransmitter in both the CNS and PNS

4.5. Acetylcholine

Plays a key role in muscle activation at neuromuscular junctions and also in cognitive functions such as memory and attention in the CNS

4.6. Gasotransmitters

Nitric Oxide (NO): A gaseous neurotransmitter involved in vasodilation and memory formation
Carbon Monoxide (CO): Less common, but also acts as a signaling molecule in the nervous system

5. Location

Central Nervous System (CNS): Found in the brain and spinal cord, where they mediate functions like cognition, emotion, and motor control
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Present in neurons of the autonomic nervous system, affecting organ function (e.g., heart rate, digestion)
Neuromuscular Junctions: Involved in transmitting signals from motor neurons to muscle fibers, leading to muscle contraction
Enteric Nervous System: Found in the gastrointestinal tract, controlling digestive processes

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Specialty

histology, Physiology

Keywords

Last edit:

2024-12-26 19:21:26

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