Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitter

Special brain chemicals that carry an electrical charge across the synapse, made only in the neurons, responsible for movement, thinking, and emotions, recycled through re-uptake, very precious and rare, made from nutrients in the bloodstream, each has a pathway to the brain.

Acetylcholine (ach)

Enables muscle action (movement) and is used by different neurons; involved in learning and memory; found in the connection between motor neurons and muscle fibers.

Acetylcholine Malfunction

Alzheimer's disease-producing neurons deteriorate.

Dopamine

Involved in voluntary movement, learning, attention, and emotion.

Dopamine Malfunction

Too little can cause shakiness throughout the body, tremors, and decreased mobility (Parkinson's); too much can lead to hallucinations (Schizophrenia).

Serotonin

Regulates mood, hunger, sleep, dreaming, arousal, pain, aggression, sexual behavior, and emotional state.

Serotonin Malfunction

Too little can lead to depression; Prozac is used to boost these levels.

Norepinephrine

Involved in the autonomic nervous system, sleep and heart rate, sexual responsiveness, control alertness, arousal, learning, and memory.

Norepinephrine Malfunction

Too little can cause depressed moods, anxiety, and high blood pressure.

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

Major inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows down the system; linked to insomnia, seizures, and anxiety.

GABA Malfunction

Too little can lead to seizures, tremors, and anxiety.

Glutamate

Major excitatory neurotransmitter involved in memory.

Glutamate Malfunction

Too much can overstimulate the brain, producing migraines and seizures.

Endorphins

Involved in pleasurable sensations and control of pain; lowered levels can result from opiate addiction.