Neurotransmitter Types, Functions, and Receptor Mechanisms in Neuroscience

3 Major Categories of Neurotransmitters

Amino acids, amines, peptides; grouped by chemical structure, synthesis, and function

Amino Acid Neurotransmitters

Simple structure, synthesized from glucose, mostly in CNS

Glutamate

Main excitatory neurotransmitter in brain and spinal cord

GABA

Main inhibitory neurotransmitter in brain

Glycine

Inhibitory neurotransmitter in spinal cord

Amines (Monoamines)

Contain amine group, stored in vesicles, "classic neurotransmitters"

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement, learning, memory

Dopamine (DA)

Neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, motor control

Serotonin (5-HT)

Neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, hunger

Norepinephrine (NE)

Neurotransmitter involved in attention, stress, mood

Epinephrine (E)

Neurotransmitter involved in fight-or-flight response

Peptide Neurotransmitters

Large molecules, stored in secretory vesicles, slow and long-lasting effects

Cholinergic System (ACh)

Found in basal forebrain & pons; functions in memory, learning, arousal, movement

ACh Removal

Broken down by acetylcholinesterase (fast)

ACh Synthesis

Occurs in synapse via ChAT enzyme