Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are like

tiny packets of messages sent from one neuron to another

All activity of brain is governed by

neurotransmitters

Why are neurotransmitters important?

because some medications mimic or block neurotransmitters

Excitatory neurotransmitters promote

opening of sodium channels on post-synaptic neuron

Inhibitory neurotransmitters promote

opening of potassium channels on post-synaptic neurons

Excitatory neurotransmitters include

epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline and noradrenaline)

Epinephrine and norepinephrine connect to

adrenergic receptors on other neurons

Dopamine can be

excitatory but also inhibitory depending on the neuron

Dopamine function

pleasure and motivation

Methamphetamine

attaches to dopamine receptors to simulate effects of dopamine

Cocaine

blocks proteins involved in recycling dopamine and results in more dopamine in synaptic cleft

Acetylcholine is what neurotransmitter?

excitatory neurotransmitter

Acetylcholine attached to what receptors?

considered cholinergic so attaches to cholinergic receptors on neurons

How does acetylcholine work?

secreted by parasympathetic neurons and motor neurons attaching to muscles to stimulate muscle contraction

Inhibitory neurotransmitters include what amino acid?

Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA)

GABA

plays role in anxiety and promotes calming effect

What does GABA effect?

decrease blood pressure and helps with sleep and pain

Serotonin is what neurotransmitter?

inhibitory neurotransmitter

Serotonin plays role in

memory, learning, and depression

Reuptake

broken down and recycled

Serotonin reuptake

Once serotonin attaches to post-synaptic neuron receptors, it re-enters presynaptic neuron through transport protein and then broken down by monoamine oxidase

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s)

block transport protein causing more serotonin to remain in synaptic cleft (helps with depression)