Class 8 - Neurotransmitters

neurotransmitters

chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons; language of the nervous system

over 50

How many neurotransmitters are classified?

chemically, functionally

In what 2 ways are neurotransmitters classified?

neuromodulators

do not directly cause ESPSs or IPSPs, but affect the strength of synaptic transmission

acetlycholine

most important neurotransmitter; enhances dopamine release; Alzheimer's disease has low levels; leads to tetanic muscle spasms; nicotinic release receptors are destroyed in myasthenia gravis

norepinephrine

"feel good" neurotransmitter; release enhanced by amphetamines and blocked by cocaine

dopamine

"feel good" neurotransmitter; release enhanced by amphetamines and blocked by cocaine; low in Parkinson's disease; high in schizophrenia

serotonin

low in people with depression (antidepressants block reuptake); blocked by LSD; enhanced by ectasy

histamine

plays a role in learning and memory; effects immune system and digestive system

GABA

inhibitory effect is increased by alcohol; causes motor functions to be impaires

glutamate

stroke neurotransmitter; important in learning and memory and long-term potentiation

glycine

causes convulsions; rat poison blocks this, killing rats

endorphins

released during exercise; natural opiates, inhibit pain; mimicked by heroin, morphine, and methodine

tachykinins

respiratory and cardiovascular controls; mood regulation

somatostatin

inhibits insulin; released with GABA in the CNS; inhibits growth hormone release

cholecytokinin

inhibits appetite; involved in anxiety, pain, memory; made in digestive tract

ATP

provokes pain sensation in CNS

adenosine

dilate blood vessels; caffeine block brain receptors of this

nitric oxide

powerful dilation; treats male impotence (Viagra)

carbon monoxide

excitatory release in brain

endocannabinoids

control appetite; involved in nausea, vomiting