Part 3: Chemical Messengers

Describe small molecule neurotransmitters

They are derived from food and are fast acting

The precursors are brought in by glial cells and enzymes in the axon terminal build the NT, then they are packaged into vesicles for release when an AP arrives

Explain how acetylcholine is synthesized and what its function is

Acetylcholine synthesis

Acetylcholine activates muscles and excites/inhibits internal organs

Choline is brought into the body from egg yolk, avocado, salmon

Acetate: is brought into the body from vinegar or lemon juice

Explain how catecholamine is synthesized and is an example of a small molecule transmitter

Catecholamine can be synthesized into either dopamine, norepinephrine, or epinephrine

Tyrosine is synthesized with the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which is rate limiting meaning the tyrosine amount means nothing, the amount of tyrosine hydroxylase is what matters

Tyrosine is then turned into L-dopa which can be dopamine then norepinephrine then epinephrine

What does dopamine regulate

Movement and reward

What does norepinephrine regulate

Emotion and it increases heart rate

What does epinephrine regulate

It increases heart rate

Describe the subtype of NTs called: peptide transmitters and give examples

They do not come from food, they are synthesized in Golgi bodies of cells/neurons from DNA instructions

• they’re more difficult to replace

• regulate bonding, eating, learning, pleasure/play

• Indirect and slow-acting

• Can’t be taken orally

Examples:

insulin, opioids, oxytocin, gastritis, vasopressin, somatostatins