Key Types of Neurotransmitters and Their Roles
A neurotransmitter is a chemical transmitter or messenger that passes signals across a chemical synapse, between two neurons, or from one neuron to a gland or cell of muscle.
Neurotransmitter Definition
The neurotransmitter is known as the chemical transmitter of a body. Neurons release various chemical agents that can stimulate another neuron, muscle, or gland cell. These chemical compounds transmit impulses through cells of the nervous system.
This signal transmission occurs in the neuron junction or synaptic. The passing electrical signals of neurons are transferred into chemical signals while transmitting through neurotransmitters.
Types of Neurotransmitters
In the nervous system, various types of neurotransmitters are present. They are-
Excitatory Neurotransmitters
By activating receptors, this type of neurotransmitter increases the effects of an action potential. Norepinephrine and Epinephrine are two examples of excitatory neurotransmitters.
Inhibitory Neurotransmitters
These neurotransmitters decrease or prevent an action potential of the target cell. Moreover, a relaxation-like effect can be triggered through these neurotransmitters.
Example: Gamma amino-butyric acid or GABA, Serotonin.
Modulatory Neurotransmitters
They can transmit messages to several cells simultaneously and also help to communicate with chemical transmitters.
These are the main types of neurotransmitters and their functions. However, other than the above-mentioned categories, there are other types of neurotransmitters found in cells. Here is a list of neurotransmitters-
Amino Acids: GABA, Glutamate.
Peptides: Endorphins, Oxytocin.
Monoamines: Dopamine, Epinephrine, Serotonin, Histamine, Norepinephrine.
Purines: Adenosine triphosphate, Adenosine.
Gasotransmitters: Carbon monoxide, Nitric oxide.
Acetylcholine: Acetylcholine.
Exercise Questions
1. Define Neurotransmitter?
Neurotransmitters are chemical transmitters that send impulses from one neuron to another neuron, muscle, or gland cell across a chemical synapse.
2. Which of the following is a Neurotransmitter?
Adrenaline
Cortisol
Acetylcholine
Insulin
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter.
Identification of a Neurotransmitter
The body creates different chemical molecules to run various functions. However, not all of them are neurotransmitters. Thus, to identify a neurotransmitter, here are some guidelines-
The chemical compounds called neurotransmitters are only created inside neuron cells.
Precursors of enzymes are usually present in the neurons.
Neurons always contain a chemical compound to stop a neurotransmitter's action.
Presynaptic neurons release these chemicals, and the receptor cells presented on postsynaptic neurons receive and bind them.
Ways to Stop the Activities of Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitter’s activity can be restricted with the help of these following ways-
Chemicals that are produced to restrict the activities of neurotransmitters are called precursor enzymes. These enzymes can deactivate neurotransmitters.
A neuron can take back the chemical transmitters even after releasing them.
By moving away from the receptor cells, it can be deactivated.
Neurotransmitter Diseases
The following neurotransmitter diseases affect the functions of these chemicals, such as their transportation, synthesizing, and breaking down.
Some Common Diseases are-
Alzheimer’s Disease
This is a neurodegenerative disorder that can be characterized by memory and learning impairments. Lack of acetylcholine is the reason for this disease.
Parkinson’s Disease
Because of dopamine depletion, the nervous system loses control over muscles. Uncontrollable muscle tremors are known as Parkinson’s disease.
Depression
Depletion of neurotransmitters – dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin is the reason for depression. The patients are treated by increasing these chemicals in their nervous system.
Schizophrenia
The presence of excessive dopamine inside the frontal lobes causes schizophrenia. Patients of this severe mental disease experience psychotic episodes and they are treated by using drugs that can block dopamine.
Epilepsy
Patients suffer from epilepsy either because of the lack of inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA or due to the presence of excessive excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate. Patients suffering from epilepsy are treated by judging the exact reason among these.
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When Neurotransmitters Do Not Work Right?
When neurotransmitters are disrupted by disease or medicines, the body might experience a variety of side effects. Imbalances in various neurotransmitters have been linked to diseases such as Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and Parkinson's. Chronic physical or mental stress can contribute to alterations in the neurotransmitter system. Neurotransmitter activity is also influenced by genetics. Aside from recreational usage, medicines that interact directly or indirectly with one or more transmitters or receptors are widely recommended for mental and psychological disorders. Because medical experts know the role that neurotransmitters can play in mental health issues, drugs that modify the activity of the body's chemical messengers are frequently recommended to assist treat a wide range of psychiatric conditions. Dopamine is linked to things like addiction and schizophrenia, for example. Serotonin is involved in a variety of mood disorders, including depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Physicians and psychiatrists may prescribe drugs like SSRIs to assist treat depression and anxiety symptoms.
Drugs that Influence Neurotransmitters
The creation of medications that affect chemical transmission is perhaps the most practical use for the discovery and deep understanding of how neurotransmitters function. These medications can alter the actions of neurotransmitters, which can help to relieve the symptoms of some disorders.
Agonists are medications that work by enhancing the actions of certain neurotransmitters. Other medications are known as Antagonists, and they work by blocking the effects of neurotransmission.
Indirect vs. Direct The effects of neuro-acting medications can be further classified according to whether they have a direct or indirect impact. Because their chemical structures are so similar, those that have a direct impact function by imitating neurotransmitters. Those that have an indirect effect function by acting on synaptic receptors.
Medications used to treat illnesses such as depression and anxiety, such as SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and benzodiazepines might alter neurotransmission. Illicit drugs including heroin, cocaine, and marijuana influence neurotransmission as well. Heroin functions as a direct-acting agonist, simulating the brain's endogenous opioids sufficiently to trigger their related receptors. Cocaine is an example of an indirect-acting substance that impacts dopamine transmission.
Increase Neurotransmitters Level Naturally
Eat lots of Protein - Proteins are composed of simpler building pieces known as amino acids. There are 23 distinct amino acids, some of which your body can generate and others of which you must obtain from the diet.
Exercise often - Exercise has been shown to promote mood and may increase dopamine levels when conducted on a regular basis, hence it is advised for increasing endorphin levels and enhancing mood.
Get Enough Sleep - Sleep deprivation can impair dopamine sensitivity in the brain, resulting in excessive drowsiness. A good night's sleep may aid in the regulation of your body's natural neurotransmitter cycles.
Meditate - Meditation is the technique of emptying your mind, focussing inward, and allowing your thoughts to drift past without judgment or attachment in order to regulate the level of neurotransmitters.
Consider Supplement - To produce neurotransmitters, your body requires a number of vitamins and minerals. Iron, niacin, folate, and vitamin B6 are among them. Adequate quantities of iron, niacin, folate and vitamin B6 are required for dopamine synthesis.
FAQs on What Are Neurotransmitters?
1. What are neurotransmitters and why are they called the body's chemical messengers?
Neurotransmitters are specialised chemicals that neurons (nerve cells) use to send signals to each other or to other cells, like muscle cells. They are called 'chemical messengers' because they carry instructions across a tiny gap called a synapse, telling the receiving cell whether to become active, less active, or to perform a specific function.
2. How are neurotransmitters generally classified based on their function?
Neurotransmitters are typically classified into three main functional groups:
- Excitatory neurotransmitters: These increase the likelihood that the receiving neuron will fire an action potential (a signal). Examples include glutamate and epinephrine.
- Inhibitory neurotransmitters: These decrease the likelihood of the neuron firing. Examples include GABA and serotonin.
- Modulatory neurotransmitters: These can affect a larger number of neurons at the same time and influence the effects of other neurotransmitters.
3. What is the main difference between an excitatory and an inhibitory neurotransmitter?
The main difference lies in their effect on the target neuron. An excitatory neurotransmitter acts like a car's accelerator, encouraging the neuron to fire and pass on the message. In contrast, an inhibitory neurotransmitter acts like a brake, making it less likely for the neuron to fire. Both are essential for regulating and balancing brain activity.
4. Can you provide some examples of common neurotransmitters and their roles?
Certainly! Here are a few key examples:
- Acetylcholine: Crucial for muscle contraction, memory, and learning.
- Dopamine: Plays a major role in the brain's reward system, motivation, and motor control.
- Serotonin: Helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and digestion.
- GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid): The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, known for producing a calming effect.
5. How does a signal actually get transmitted across a synapse using neurotransmitters?
The process is like a relay race. First, an electrical signal travels down one neuron to its end. This signal triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap. These chemical messengers then travel across the gap and bind to specific receptors on the next neuron, much like a key fitting into a lock. This binding action starts a new electrical signal in the receiving neuron, thus passing the message along.
6. How can an imbalance in neurotransmitters affect a person's health?
A balanced level of neurotransmitters is vital for a healthy mind and body. An imbalance can lead to various conditions. For example, low levels of serotonin are often linked to depression and anxiety, while the loss of dopamine-producing neurons is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease, affecting movement and coordination.
7. Is there one single 'most important' neurotransmitter in our body?
No, that's a common misconception. There isn't a single 'most important' one. The nervous system is incredibly complex and relies on the delicate balance and interaction of all neurotransmitters working together. Each one has a unique and vital role, and the system's overall health depends on this teamwork, not the dominance of one chemical.
8. What is a simple analogy to understand how neurotransmitters work?
A great analogy is the 'lock and key' model. Think of the neurotransmitter as a specific 'key'. The receptor on the receiving neuron is the 'lock'. Only the correctly shaped key (neurotransmitter) can fit into the lock (receptor). When the key fits, it 'unlocks' the neuron, causing it to respond and carry the message forward.
