Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are endogenous chemicals that enable neurotransmission. It is a type of chemical messenger which transmits signals across a chemical synapse, such as a neuromuscular junction, from one neuron (nerve cell) to another "target" neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell.

Function

Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles in synapses into the synaptic cleft, where they are received by neurotransmitter receptors on the target cells. Many neurotransmitters are synthesized from simple and plentiful precursors such as amino acids, which are readily available from the diet and only require a small number of biosynthetic steps for conversion.

Types

There are several different ways to classify neurotransmitters. Dividing them into amino acids, peptides, and monoamines is sufficient for some classification purposes.

Amino acids

• Glutamate: It is the most common neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
• GABA: It is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system.
• Glycine: This inhibitory neurotransmitter is used in the spinal cord and higher brain function.

Peptides

• Opioid peptides: These peptides are involved in pain reduction and are released during stress.

Monoamines

• Dopamine: It is involved in multiple functions including motivation, reward, and motor control.
• Serotonin: This neurotransmitter is involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep.

See also

• Neurotransmission
• Neuron
• Synapse

References

Neurotransmitters Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia