Neuromodulator

Neuromodulator

A Neuromodulator is a type of neurotransmitter that regulates or modifies the function of neurons in the nervous system. Neuromodulators can be considered as "messengers" of the nervous system, as they play a crucial role in the communication between neurons.

Function

Neuromodulators function by binding to specific receptors on the surface of neurons. This binding can either increase or decrease the neuron's ability to send signals to other neurons. The effect of a neuromodulator can be either excitatory (increasing the likelihood of a neuron firing) or inhibitory (decreasing the likelihood of a neuron firing).

Types of Neuromodulators

There are several types of neuromodulators, including dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine. Each of these neuromodulators has a different effect on the neurons they interact with.

Dopamine

Dopamine is a neuromodulator that is involved in several important functions in the brain, including motor control, reward, and motivation. It is also implicated in several neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.

Serotonin

Serotonin is a neuromodulator that is involved in the regulation of mood, appetite, and sleep. It is also implicated in several psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders.

Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine is a neuromodulator that is involved in the regulation of attention and alertness. It is also implicated in several psychiatric disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine is a neuromodulator that is involved in the regulation of memory and learning. It is also implicated in several neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.

See Also

• Neurotransmitter
• Nervous system
• Neuron
• Receptor (biochemistry)