Neurotransmitters & Functions

Acetylcholine

Involved in learning

Dopamine

Regulates movement

Serotonin

Affects mood

Norepinephrine

Plays a role in alertness

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

Primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain

Glutamate

Primary excitatory neurotransmitter important for learning and memory

Endorphins

Act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers

Substance P

Involved in pain perception and transmission

Oxytocin

Regulates social bonding

Vasopressin

Involved in social behavior and water retention

Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

Involved in fight-or-flight response and arousal

Histamine

Regulates wakefulness

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Modulates anxiety

Anandamide

Binds to cannabinoid receptors and affects mood and memory

Dynorphins

Involved in pain

Somatostatin

Inhibits growth hormone release and modulates neurotransmission

Nitric Oxide

A gaseous neurotransmitter that affects blood flow and memory

Melatonin

Regulates circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles

Enkephalins

Inhibit pain signals and modulate mood

Cortisol

Stress hormone that modulates neurotransmitter activity

Prolactin

Influences reproductive behavior and lactation

Neuropeptide Y (NPY)

Stimulates food intake and reduces anxiety

Galanin

Modulates pain

CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone)

Initiates stress hormone release

BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)

Supports neuron growth and plasticity

Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone

Involved in regulation of thyroid hormones and mood

Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone

Affects reproduction and hormonal regulation

Tachykinin

Involved in emotional behavior and pain transmission

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Block serotonin reabsorption to elevate mood

Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors

Increase dopamine availability in synapses

GABA Agonists

Enhance GABA activity to reduce anxiety

NMDA Receptor

Glutamate receptor involved in synaptic plasticity

AMPA Receptor

Glutamate receptor involved in fast synaptic transmission

5-HT Receptors

Mediate various effects of serotonin on mood and cognition

D1 Receptors

Dopamine receptors linked to cognitive functions

D2 Receptors

Dopamine receptors targeted in schizophrenia treatment

α2 Adrenergic Receptors

Inhibit norepinephrine release

β Adrenergic Receptors

Mediate arousal and cardiovascular response

Acetylcholinesterase

Enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in synaptic cleft

MAO (Monoamine Oxidase)

Enzyme that degrades monoamines like serotonin

COMT (Catechol-O-Methyl Transferase)

Breaks down catecholamines like dopamine

Serotonin Transporter (SERT)

Removes serotonin from synaptic cleft

Dopamine Transporter (DAT)

Removes dopamine from synaptic cleft

Norepinephrine Transporter (NET)

Removes norepinephrine from synapse

Endocannabinoids

Regulate pain

Glutamate Excitotoxicity

Overactivation of glutamate receptors causing neuron damage

Serotonin Syndrome

Excess serotonin causing agitation

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messenger that transmits signals across synapses

Synaptic Vesicle

Stores neurotransmitters for release into synapse

Reuptake

Process of neurotransmitter reabsorption into presynaptic neuron

Axon Terminal

Site of neurotransmitter release

Synaptic Cleft

Gap between neurons where neurotransmitters act