What are the different types of neurotransmitters?

Sourav PanSeptember 23, 2024

Answered

Neurotransmitters can be classified into several categories based on their chemical structure and function. The major types of neurotransmitters include:

1. Amino Acids:
   • These are the most common neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS). They include:
     • Glutamate: The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, involved in synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions like learning and memory.
     • Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, which helps to reduce neuronal excitability and prevent overactivity.
     • Glycine: Another inhibitory neurotransmitter, primarily found in the spinal cord and brainstem, that also contributes to inhibitory signaling.
2. Amines:
   • These neurotransmitters are derived from amino acids and include:
     • Acetylcholine (ACh): Involved in muscle activation, attention, and memory; it is the neurotransmitter at neuromuscular junctions and in various brain regions.
     • Dopamine (DA): Plays a key role in reward, motivation, and motor control; dysregulation is associated with disorders like Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia.
     • Norepinephrine (NE): Involved in arousal, alertness, and the stress response; it acts as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone.
     • Epinephrine (adrenaline): Primarily a hormone, but it can also function as a neurotransmitter in the CNS.
     • Serotonin (5-HT): Regulates mood, appetite, and sleep; it is implicated in mood disorders such as depression.
3. Peptides:
   • These are larger molecules made up of chains of amino acids and include:
     • Substance P: Involved in pain perception and inflammatory responses.
     • Endorphins: Natural pain relievers that also play a role in the reward system and stress response.
     • Neuropeptide Y: Involved in regulating appetite and anxiety.
     • Cholecystokinin (CCK): Plays a role in digestion and satiety.
4. Other Neurotransmitters:
   • There are also other types of neurotransmitters that do not fit neatly into the above categories, such as:
     • Nitric Oxide (NO): A gaseous neurotransmitter that plays a role in vasodilation and neurotransmission; it diffuses across membranes and acts in a retrograde manner.
     • Carbon Monoxide (CO): Another gaseous neurotransmitter that has various roles in the nervous system.