Neurotransmitter

For an introduction to concepts and terminology used in this article, see Chemical synapse.

Postsynaptic
density

Voltage-
gated Ca⁺⁺
channel

Synaptic
vesicle

Neurotransmitter
transporter

Receptor

Neurotransmitter

Axon terminal

Synaptic cleft

Dendrite

Structure of a typical chemical synapse

A neurotransmitter is a signaling molecule secreted by a neuron to affect another cell across a synapse. The cell receiving the signal, or target cell, may be another neuron, but could also be a gland or muscle cell.

Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft where they are able to interact with neurotransmitter receptors on the target cell. The neurotransmitter's effect on the target cell is determined by the receptor it binds to. Many neurotransmitters are synthesized from simple and plentiful precursors such as amino acids, which are readily available and often require a small number of biosynthetic steps for conversion.

Neurotransmitters are essential to the function of complex neural systems. The exact number of unique neurotransmitters in humans is unknown, but more than 100 have been identified. Common neurotransmitters include glutamate, GABA, acetylcholine, glycine and norepinephrine.

Mechanism and cycle

See also: Neurotransmission

Synthesis

Neurotransmitters are generally synthesized in neurons and are made up of, or derived from, precursor molecules that are found abundantly in the cell. Classes of neurotransmitters include amino acids, monoamines, and peptides. Monoamines are synthesized by altering a single amino acid. For example, the precursor of serotonin is the amino acid tryptophan. Peptide transmitters, or neuropeptides, are protein transmitters that often are released together with other transmitters to have a modulatory effect. Purine neurotransmitters, like ATP, are derived from nucleic acids. Other neurotransmitters are made up of metabolic products like nitric oxide and carbon monoxide.

	Examples
Amino acids	glycine, glutamate
Monoamines	serotonin, epinephrine, dopamine
Peptides	substance P, opioids
Purines	ATP, GTP
Other	nitric oxide, carbon monoxide

Storage

Synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are generally stored in synaptic vesicles, clustered close to the cell membrane at the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron. However, some neurotransmitters, like the metabolic gases carbon monoxide and nitric oxide, are synthesized and released immediately following an action potential without ever being stored in vesicles.

Release

Generally, a neurotransmitter is released at the presynaptic terminal in response to an electrical signal called an action potential in the presynaptic neuron. However, low-level "baseline" release also occurs without electrical stimulation. Neurotransmitters are released into and diffuse across the synaptic cleft, where they bind to specific receptors on the membrane of the postsynaptic neuron.

Receptor interaction

After being released into the synaptic cleft, neurotransmitters diffuse across the synapse where they are able to interact with receptors on the target cell. The effect of the neurotransmitter is dependent on the identity of the target cell's receptors present at the synapse. Depending on the receptor, binding of neurotransmitters may cause excitation, inhibition, or modulation of the postsynaptic neuron. See below for more information.

Elimination

Acetylcholine is cleaved in the synaptic cleft into acetic acid and choline.

In order to avoid continuous activation of receptors on the post-synaptic or target cell, neurotransmitters must be removed from the synaptic cleft. Neurotransmitters are removed through one of three mechanisms:

1. Diffusion – neurotransmitters drift out of the synaptic cleft, where they are absorbed by glial cells. These glial cells, usually astrocytes, absorb the excess neurotransmitters.
   • Astrocytes, a type of glial cell in the brain, actively contribute to synaptic communication through astrocytic diffusion or gliotransmission. Neuronal activity triggers an increase in astrocytic calcium levels, prompting the release of gliotransmitters, such as glutamate, ATP, and D-serine.These gliotransmitters diffuse into the extracellular space, interacting with nearby neurons and influencing synaptic transmission. By regulating extracellular neurotransmitter levels, astrocytes help maintain proper synaptic function. This bidirectional communication between astrocytes and neurons add complexity to brain signaling, with implications for brain function and neurological disorders.
2. Enzyme degradation – proteins called enzymes break the neurotransmitters down.
3. Reuptake – neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the pre-synaptic neuron. Transporters, or membrane transport proteins, pump neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft back into axon terminals (the presynaptic neuron) where they are stored for reuse.

For example, acetylcholine is eliminated by having its acetyl group cleaved by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase; the remaining choline is then taken in and recycled by the pre-synaptic neuron to synthesize more acetylcholine. Other neurotransmitters are able to diffuse away from their targeted synaptic junctions and are eliminated from the body via the kidneys, or destroyed in the liver. Each neurotransmitter has very specific degradation pathways at regulatory points, which may be targeted by the body's regulatory system or medication. Cocaine blocks a dopamine transporter responsible for the reuptake of dopamine. Without the transporter, dopamine diffuses much more slowly from the synaptic cleft and continues to activate the dopamine receptors on the target cell.

Discovery

See also: History of catecholamine research

Until the early 20th century, scientists assumed that the majority of synaptic communication in the brain was electrical. However, through histological examinations by Ramón y Cajal, a 20 to 40 nm gap between neurons, known today as the synaptic cleft, was discovered. The presence of such a gap suggested communication via chemical messengers traversing the synaptic cleft, and in 1921 German pharmacologist Otto Loewi confirmed that neurons can communicate by releasing chemicals. Through a series of experiments involving the vagus nerves of frogs, Loewi was able to manually slow the heart rate of frogs by controlling the amount of saline solution present around the vagus nerve. Upon completion of this experiment, Loewi asserted that sympathetic regulation of cardiac function can be mediated through changes in chemical concentrations. Furthermore, Otto Loewi is credited with discovering acetylcholine (ACh) – the first known neurotransmitter.

Identification

To identify neurotransmitters, the following criteria are typically considered:

1. Synthesis: The chemical must be produced within the neuron or be present in it as a precursor molecule.
2. Release and response: When the neuron is activated, the chemical must be released and elicit a response in target cells or neurons.
3. Experimental response: Application of the chemical directly to the target cells should produce the same response observed when the chemical is naturally released from neurons.
4. Removal mechanism: There must be a mechanism in place to remove the neurotransmitter from its site of action once its signaling role is complete.

However, given advances in pharmacology, genetics, and chemical neuroanatomy, the term "neurotransmitter" can be applied to chemicals that:

• Carry messages between neurons via influence on the postsynaptic membrane.
• Have little or no effect on membrane voltage, but have a common carrying function such as changing the structure of the synapse.
• Communicate by sending reverse-direction messages that affect the release or reuptake of transmitters.

The anatomical localization of neurotransmitters is typically determined using immunocytochemical techniques, which identify the location of either the transmitter substances themselves or of the enzymes that are involved in their synthesis. Immunocytochemical techniques have also revealed that many transmitters, particularly the neuropeptides, are co-localized, that is, a neuron may release more than one transmitter from its synaptic terminal. Various techniques and experiments such as staining, stimulating, and collecting can be used to identify neurotransmitters throughout the central nervous system.

Actions

Neurons communicate with each other through synapses, specialized contact points where neurotransmitters transmit signals. When an action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal, the action potential can trigger the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, influencing the receiving neuron in either an inhibitory or excitatory manner. If the overall excitatory influences outweigh the inhibitory influences, the receiving neuron may generate its own action potential, continuing the transmission of information to the next neuron in the network. This process allows for the flow of information and the formation of complex neural networks.

Modulation

A neurotransmitter may have an excitatory, inhibitory or modulatory effect on the target cell. The effect is determined by the receptors the neurotransmitter interacts with at the post-synaptic membrane. Neurotransmitter influences trans-membrane ion flow either to increase (excitatory) or to decrease (inhibitory) the probability that the cell with which it comes in contact will produce an action potential. Synapses containing receptors with excitatory effects are called Type I synapses, while Type II synapses contain receptors with inhibitory effects. Thus, despite the wide variety of synapses, they all convey messages of only these two types. The two types are different appearance and are primarily located on different parts of the neurons under its influence. Receptors with modulatory effects are spread throughout all synaptic membranes and binding of neurotransmitters sets in motion signaling cascades that help the cell regulate its function. Binding of neurotransmitters to receptors with modulatory effects can have many results. For example, it may result in an increase or decrease in sensitivity to future stimulus by recruiting more or less receptors to the synaptic membrane.

Type I (excitatory) synapses are typically located on the shafts or the spines of dendrites, whereas type II (inhibitory) synapses are typically located on a cell body. In addition, Type I synapses have round synaptic vesicles, whereas the vesicles of type II synapses are flattened. The material on the presynaptic and post-synaptic membranes is denser in a Type I synapse than it is in a Type II, and the Type I synaptic cleft is wider. Finally, the active zone on a Type I synapse is larger than that on a Type II synapse.

The different locations of Type I and Type II synapses divide a neuron into two zones: an excitatory dendritic tree and an inhibitory cell body. From an inhibitory perspective, excitation comes in over the dendrites and spreads to the axon hillock to trigger an action potential. If the message is to be stopped, it is best stopped by applying inhibition on the cell body, close to the axon hillock where the action potential originates. Another way to conceptualize excitatory–inhibitory interaction is to picture excitation overcoming inhibition. If the cell body is normally in an inhibited state, the only way to generate an action potential at the axon hillock is to reduce the cell body's inhibition. In this "open the gates" strategy, the excitatory message is like a racehorse ready to run down the track, but first, the inhibitory starting gate must be removed.

Neurotransmitter actions

As explained above, the only direct action of a neurotransmitter is to activate a receptor. Therefore, the effects of a neurotransmitter system depend on the connections of the neurons that use the transmitter, and the chemical properties of the receptors.

• Glutamate is used at the great majority of fast excitatory synapses in the brain and spinal cord. It is also used at most synapses that are "modifiable", i.e. capable of increasing or decreasing in strength. Modifiable synapses are thought to be the main memory-storage elements in the brain. Excessive glutamate release can overstimulate the brain and lead to excitotoxicity causing cell death resulting in seizures or strokes. Excitotoxicity has been implicated in certain chronic diseases including ischemic stroke, epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington disease, and Parkinson's disease.
• GABA is used at the great majority of fast inhibitory synapses in virtually every part of the brain. Many sedative/tranquilizing drugs act by enhancing the effects of GABA. Correspondingly, glycine is the inhibitory transmitter in the spinal cord.
• Acetylcholine was the first neurotransmitter discovered in the peripheral and central nervous systems. It activates skeletal muscles in the somatic nervous system and may either excite or inhibit internal organs in the autonomic system. It is distinguished as the transmitter at the neuromuscular junction connecting motor nerves to muscles. The paralytic arrow-poison curare acts by blocking transmission at these synapses. Acetylcholine also operates in many regions of the brain, but using different types of receptors, including nicotinic and muscarinic receptors.
• Dopamine has a number of important functions in the brain; this includes regulation of motor behavior, pleasures related to motivation and also emotional arousal. It plays a critical role in the reward system; Parkinson's disease has been linked to low levels of dopamine and schizophrenia has been linked to high levels of dopamine.
• Serotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter. Most is produced by and found in the intestine (approximately 90%), and the remainder in central nervous system neurons. It functions to regulate appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature, mood, behaviour, muscle contraction, and function of the cardiovascular system and endocrine system. It is speculated to have a role in depression, as some depressed patients are seen to have lower concentrations of metabolites of serotonin in their cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue.
• Norepinephrine is a member of the catecholamine classification of neurotransmitters. It is synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine. In the peripheral nervous system, one of the primary roles of norepinephrine is to stimulate the release of the stress hormone epinephrine (i.e. adrenaline) from the adrenal glands.
• Epinephrine, a neurotransmitter and hormone is synthesized from tyrosine. It is released from the adrenal glands and plays a role in the fight-or-flight response. Epinephrine has vasoconstrictive effects, which promote increased heart rate, blood pressure, energy mobilization. Vasoconstriction influences metabolism by promoting the breakdown of glucose released into the bloodstream. Epinephrine also has bronchodilation effects, which is the relaxing of airways.

Types

There are many different ways to classify neurotransmitters. Dividing them into amino acids, peptides, and monoamines is sufficient for some classification purposes.

Major neurotransmitters:

• Amino acids: glutamate, aspartate, D-serine, gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine
• Gasotransmitters: nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)
• Monoamines:
  • Catecholamines: dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (noradrenaline, NE), epinephrine (adrenaline)
  • Indolamines: serotonin (5-HT, SER), melatonin
  • histamine
• Trace amines: phenethylamine, N-methylphenethylamine, tyramine, 3-iodothyronamine, octopamine, tryptamine, etc.
• Peptides: oxytocin, somatostatin, substance P, cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript, opioid peptides
• Purines: adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine
• Others: acetylcholine (ACh), anandamide, etc.

In addition, over 100 neuroactive peptides have been found, and new ones are discovered regularly. Many of these are co-released along with a small-molecule transmitter. Nevertheless, in some cases, a peptide is the primary transmitter at a synapse. Beta-Endorphin is a relatively well-known example of a peptide neurotransmitter because it engages in highly specific interactions with opioid receptors in the central nervous system.

Single ions (such as synaptically released zinc) are also considered neurotransmitters by some, as well as some gaseous molecules such as nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). The gases are produced in the neural cytoplasm and are immediately diffused through the cell membrane into the extracellular fluid and into nearby cells to stimulate production of second messengers. Soluble gas neurotransmitters are difficult to study, as they act rapidly and are immediately broken down, existing for only a few seconds.

The most prevalent transmitter is glutamate, which is excitatory at well over 90% of the synapses in the human brain. The next most prevalent is gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, or GABA, which is inhibitory at more than 90% of the synapses that do not use glutamate. Although other transmitters are used in fewer synapses, they may be very important functionally: the great majority of psychoactive drugs exert their effects by altering the actions of some neurotransmitter systems, often acting through transmitters other than glutamate or GABA. Addictive drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines exert their effects primarily on the dopamine system. The addictive opiate drugs exert their effects primarily as functional analogs of opioid peptides, which, in turn, regulate dopamine levels.

List of neurotransmitters, peptides, and gaseous signaling molecules

Neurotransmitters Category Name Abbreviation Metabotropic Ionotropic SmallTooltip Small molecule: Amino acids (Arg) Arginine Arg, R α2-Adrenergic receptors, imidazoline receptors NMDA receptors Small: Amino acids Aspartate Asp, D – NMDA receptors Small: Amino acids Glutamate Glu, E Metabotropic glutamate receptors NMDA receptors, kainate receptors, AMPARs Small: Amino acids Gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA GABAB receptors GABAA receptors, GABAA-ρ receptors Small: Amino acids Glycine Gly, G – NMDA receptors, glycine receptors Small: Amino acids D-serine Ser, S – NMDA receptors Small: Acetylcholine Acetylcholine ACh Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors Small: Monoamine (Phe/Tyr) Dopamine DA Dopamine receptors, trace amine-associated receptor 1 – Small: Monoamine (Phe/Tyr) Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) NE, NAd Adrenergic receptors – Small: Monoamine (Phe/Tyr) Epinephrine (adrenaline) Epi, Ad Adrenergic receptors – Small: Monoamine (Trp) Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) 5-HT Serotonin receptors (all except 5-HT3) 5-HT3 Small: Monoamine (His) Histamine H Histamine receptors – Small: Trace amine (Phe) Phenethylamine PEA Trace amine-associated receptors TAAR1, TAAR2 – Small: Trace amine (Phe) N-methylphenethylamine NMPEA TAAR1 – Small: Trace amine (Phe/Tyr) Tyramine TYR TAAR1, TAAR2 – Small: Trace amine (Phe/Tyr) octopamine Oct TAAR1 – Small: Trace amine (Phe/Tyr) Synephrine Syn TAAR1 – Small: Trace amine (Trp) Tryptamine TAAR1, various serotonin receptors – Small: Trace amine (Trp) N-methyltryptamine NMT TAAR1, various serotonin receptors – Lipid Anandamide AEA Cannabinoid receptors – Lipid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol 2-AG Cannabinoid receptors – Lipid 2-Arachidonyl glyceryl ether 2-AGE Cannabinoid receptors – Lipid N-Arachidonoyl dopamine NADA Cannabinoid receptors TRPV1 Lipid Virodhamine Cannabinoid receptors – Small: Purine Adenosine Ado Adenosine receptors – Small: Purine Adenosine triphosphate ATP P2Y receptors P2X receptors Small: Purine Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide β-NAD P2Y receptors P2X receptors Neuropeptides Category Name Abbreviation Metabotropic Ionotropic Bombesin-like peptides Bombesin BBR1-2-3 – Bombesin-like peptide Gastrin releasing peptide GRP – – Bombesin-like peptide Neuromedin B NMB Neuromedin B receptor – Bradykinins Bradykinin B1, B2 – Calcitonin/CGRP family Calcitonin Calcitonin receptor – Calcitonin/CGRP family Calcitonin gene-related peptide CGRP CALCRL – Corticotropin-releasing factors Corticotropin-releasing hormone CRH CRHR1 – Corticotropin-releasing factors Urocortin CRHR1 – Galanins Galanin GALR1, GALR2, GALR3 – Galanins Galanin-like peptide GALR1, GALR2, GALR3 – Gastrins Gastrin Cholecystokinin B receptor – Gastrins Cholecystokinin CCK Cholecystokinin receptors – Granins Chromogranin A ChgA – – Melanocortins Adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH ACTH receptor – Melanocortins Proopiomelanocortin POMC Melanocortin 4 receptor – Melanocortins Melanocyte-stimulating hormones MSH Melanocortin receptors – Neurohypophyseals Vasopressin AVP Vasopressin receptors – Neurohypophyseals Oxytocin OT Oxytocin receptor – Neurohypophyseals Neurophysin I – – Neurohypophyseals Neurophysin II – – Neurohypophyseals Copeptin – – Neuromedins Neuromedin U NmU NmUR1, NmUR2 – Neuropeptide B/W Neuropeptide B NPB NPBW1, NPBW2 – Neuropeptide B/W Neuropeptide S NPS Neuropeptide S receptors – Neuropeptide Y Neuropeptide Y NY Neuropeptide Y receptors – Neuropeptide Y Pancreatic polypeptide PP – – Neuropeptide Y Peptide YY PYY – – Opioids Enkephalins δ-Opioid receptor – Opioids Dynorphins κ-Opioid receptor – Opioids Neoendorphins κ-Opioid receptor – Opioids Endorphins μ-Opioid receptors – Opioids Endomorphins μ-Opioid receptors – Opioids Morphine μ-Opioid receptors – Opioids Nociceptin/orphanin FQ N/OFQ Nociceptin receptors – Orexins Orexin A OX-A Orexin receptors – Orexins Orexin B OX-B Orexin receptors – Parathyroid hormone family Parathyroid hormone-related protein PTHrP – – RFamides Kisspeptin KiSS GPR54 – RFamides Neuropeptide FF NPFF NPFF1, NPFF2 – RFamides Prolactin-releasing peptide PrRP PrRPR – RFamides Pyroglutamylated RFamide peptide QRFP GPR103 – Secretins Secretin Secretin receptor – Secretins Motilin Motilin receptor – Secretins Glucagon Glucagon receptor – Secretins Glucagon-like peptide-1 GLP-1 Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor – Secretins Glucagon-like peptide-2 GLP-2 Glucagon-like peptide 2 receptor – Secretins Vasoactive intestinal peptide VIP Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors – Secretins Growth hormone–releasing hormone GHRH Growth hormone–releasing hormone receptor – Secretins Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide PACAP ADCYAP1R1 – Somatostatins Somatostatin Somatostatin receptors – Tachykinins Neurokinin A – – Tachykinins Neurokinin B – – Tachykinins Substance P – – Tachykinins Neuropeptide K – – Other Agouti-related peptide AgRP Melanocortin receptor – Other N-Acetylaspartylglutamate NAAG Metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (mGluR3) – Other Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript CART Unknown Gi/Go-coupled receptor – Other Gonadotropin-releasing hormone GnRH GnRHR – Other Thyrotropin-releasing hormone TRH TRHR – Other Melanin-concentrating hormone MCH MCHR 1,2 – Gasotransmitters Category Name Abbreviation Metabotropic Ionotropic Gaseous signaling molecule Nitric oxide NO Soluble guanylyl cyclase – Gaseous signaling molecule Carbon monoxide CO – Heme bound to potassium channels Gaseous signaling molecule Hydrogen sulfide H2S – –

Neurotransmitter systems

Neurons expressing certain types of neurotransmitters sometimes form distinct systems, where activation of the system affects large volumes of the brain, called volume transmission. Major neurotransmitter systems include the noradrenaline (norepinephrine) system, the dopamine system, the serotonin system, and the cholinergic system, among others. Trace amines have a modulatory effect on neurotransmission in monoamine pathways (i.e., dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin pathways) throughout the brain via signaling through trace amine-associated receptor 1. A brief comparison of these systems follows:

Neurotransmitter systems in the brain

System	Pathway origin and projections	Regulated cognitive processes and behaviors
Noradrenaline system	Noradrenergic pathways: Locus coeruleus (LC) projections LC → Amygdala and Hippocampus LC → Brain stem and Spinal cord LC → Cerebellum LC → Cerebral cortex LC → Hypothalamus LC → Tectum LC → Thalamus LC → Ventral tegmental area Lateral tegmental field (LTF) projections LTF → Brain stem and Spinal cord LTF → Olfactory bulb	anxiety arousal (wakefulness) circadian rhythm cognitive control and working memory (co-regulated by dopamine) feeding and energy homeostasis medullary control of respiration negative emotional memory nociception (perception of pain) reward (minor role)
Dopamine system	Dopaminergic pathways: Ventral tegmental area (VTA) projections VTA → Amygdala VTA → Cingulate cortex VTA → Hippocampus VTA → Ventral striatum (Mesolimbic pathway) VTA → Olfactory bulb VTA → Prefrontal cortex (Mesocortical pathway) Nigrostriatal pathway Substantia nigra pars compacta → Dorsal striatum Tuberoinfundibular pathway Arcuate nucleus → Median eminence Hypothalamospinal projection Hypothalamus → Spinal cord Incertohypothalamic pathway Zona incerta → Hypothalamus	arousal (wakefulness) aversion cognitive control and working memory (co-regulated by norepinephrine) emotion and mood motivation (motivational salience) motor function and control positive reinforcement reward (primary mediator) sexual arousal, orgasm, and refractory period (via neuroendocrine regulation)
Histamine system	Histaminergic pathways: Tuberomammillary nucleus (TMN) projections TMN → Cerebral cortex TMN → Hippocampus TMN → Neostriatum TMN → Nucleus accumbens TMN → Amygdala TMN → Hypothalamus	arousal (wakefulness) feeding and energy homeostasis learning memory
Serotonin system	Serotonergic pathways: Caudal nuclei (CN): Raphe magnus, raphe pallidus, and raphe obscurus Caudal projections CN → Cerebral cortex CN → Thalamus CN → Caudate-putamen and nucleus accumbens CN → Substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area CN → Cerebellum CN → Spinal cord Rostral nuclei (RN): Nucleus linearis, dorsal raphe, medial raphe, and raphe pontis Rostral projections RN → Amygdala RN → Cingulate cortex RN → Hippocampus RN → Hypothalamus RN → Neocortex RN → Septum RN → Thalamus RN → Ventral tegmental area	arousal (wakefulness) body temperature regulation emotion and mood, potentially including aggression feeding and energy homeostasis reward (minor role) sensory perception
Acetylcholine system	Cholinergic pathways: Forebrain cholinergic nuclei (FCN): Nucleus basalis of Meynert, medial septal nucleus, and diagonal band Forebrain nuclei projections FCN → Hippocampus FCN → Cerebral cortex FCN → Limbic cortex and sensory cortex Striatal tonically active cholinergic neurons (TAN) TAN → Medium spiny neuron Brainstem cholinergic nuclei (BCN): Pedunculopontine nucleus, laterodorsal tegmentum, medial habenula, and parabigeminal nucleus Brainstem nuclei projections BCN → Ventral tegmental area BCN → Thalamus	arousal (wakefulness) emotion and mood learning motor function motivation (motivational salience) short-term memory reward (minor role)
Adrenaline system	Adrenergic pathways: Rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) projections RVLM → Spinal cord RVLM → Brain stem RVLM → Hypothalamus	medullary control of respiration sympathetic nervous system feeding and energy homeostasis arousal stress

Further information: Neural pathway, Neuromodulation, and List of regions in the human brain

Drug effects

Understanding the effects of drugs on neurotransmitters comprises a significant portion of research initiatives in the field of neuroscience. Most neuroscientists involved in this field of research believe that such efforts may further advance our understanding of the circuits responsible for various neurological diseases and disorders, as well as ways to effectively treat and someday possibly prevent or cure such illnesses.

Drugs can influence behavior by altering neurotransmitter activity. For instance, drugs can decrease the rate of synthesis of neurotransmitters by affecting the synthetic enzyme(s) for that neurotransmitter. When neurotransmitter syntheses are blocked, the amount of neurotransmitters available for release becomes substantially lower, resulting in a decrease in neurotransmitter activity. Some drugs block or stimulate the release of specific neurotransmitters. Alternatively, drugs can prevent neurotransmitter storage in synaptic vesicles by causing the synaptic vesicle membranes to leak. Drugs that prevent a neurotransmitter from binding to its receptor are called receptor antagonists. For example, drugs used to treat patients with schizophrenia such as haloperidol, chlorpromazine, and clozapine are antagonists at receptors in the brain for dopamine. Other drugs act by binding to a receptor and mimicking the normal neurotransmitter. Such drugs are called receptor agonists. An example of a receptor agonist is morphine, an opiate that mimics effects of the endogenous neurotransmitter β-endorphin to relieve pain. Other drugs interfere with the deactivation of a neurotransmitter after it has been released, thereby prolonging the action of a neurotransmitter. This can be accomplished by blocking re-uptake or inhibiting degradative enzymes. Lastly, drugs can also prevent an action potential from occurring, blocking neuronal activity throughout the central and peripheral nervous system. Drugs such as tetrodotoxin that block neural activity are typically lethal.

Drugs targeting the neurotransmitter of major systems affect the whole system, which can explain the complexity of action of some drugs. Cocaine, for example, blocks the re-uptake of dopamine back into the presynaptic neuron, leaving the neurotransmitter molecules in the synaptic gap for an extended period of time. Since the dopamine remains in the synapse longer, the neurotransmitter continues to bind to the receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, eliciting a pleasurable emotional response. Physical addiction to cocaine may result from prolonged exposure to excess dopamine in the synapses, which leads to the downregulation of some post-synaptic receptors. After the effects of the drug wear off, an individual can become depressed due to decreased probability of the neurotransmitter binding to a receptor. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI), which blocks re-uptake of serotonin by the presynaptic cell which increases the amount of serotonin present at the synapse and furthermore allows it to remain there longer, providing potential for the effect of naturally released serotonin. AMPT prevents the conversion of tyrosine to L-DOPA, the precursor to dopamine; reserpine prevents dopamine storage within vesicles; and deprenyl inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO)-B and thus increases dopamine levels.

Drug–neurotransmitter interactions

Drug	Interacts with	Receptor interaction	Type	Effects
Botulinum toxin (Botox)	Acetylcholine	–	Antagonist	Blocks acetylcholine release in PNS Prevents muscle contractions
Black widow spider venom	Acetylcholine	–	Agonist	Promotes acetylcholine release in PNS Stimulates muscle contractions
Neostigmine	Acetylcholine	–	–	Interferes with acetylcholinerase activity Increases effects of ACh at receptors Used to treat myasthenia gravis
Nicotine	Acetylcholine	Nicotinic (skeletal muscle)	Agonist	Increases ACh activity Increases attention Reinforcing effects
d-tubocurarine	Acetylcholine	Nicotinic (skeletal muscle)	Antagonist	Decreases activity at receptor site
Curare	Acetylcholine	Nicotinic (skeletal muscle)	Antagonist	Decreases ACh activity Prevents muscle contractions
Muscarine	Acetylcholine	Muscarinic (heart and smooth muscle)	Agonist	Increases ACh activity Toxic
Atropine	Acetylcholine	Muscarinic (heart and smooth muscle)	Antagonist	Blocks pupil constriction Blocks saliva production
Scopolamine (hyoscine)	Acetylcholine	Muscarinic (heart and smooth muscle)	Antagonist	Treats motion sickness and postoperative nausea and vomiting
AMPT	Dopamine/norepinephrine	–	–	Inactivates tyrosine hydroxylase and inhibits dopamine production
Reserpine	Dopamine	–	–	Prevents storage of dopamine and other monoamines in synaptic vesicles Causes sedation and depression
Apomorphine	Dopamine	D2 receptor (presynaptic autoreceptors/postsynaptic receptors)	Antagonist (low dose) / direct agonist (high dose)	Low dose: blocks autoreceptors High dose: stimulates postsynaptic receptors
Amphetamine	Dopamine/norepinephrine	–	Indirect agonist	Releases dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin Blocks reuptake
Methamphetamine	Dopamine/norepinephrine	–	–	Releases dopamine and noradrenaline Blocks reuptake
Methylphenidate	Dopamine	–	–	Blocks reuptake Enhances attention and impulse control in ADHD
Cocaine	Dopamine	–	Indirect agonist	Blocks reuptake into presynapse Blocks voltage-dependent sodium channels Can be used as a topical anesthetic (eye drops)
Deprenyl	Dopamine	–	Agonist	Inhibits MAO-B Prevents destruction of dopamine
Chlorpromazine	Dopamine	D2 Receptors	Antagonist	Blocks D2 receptors Alleviates hallucinations
MPTP	Dopamine	–	–	Results in Parkinson-like symptoms
PCPA	Serotonin (5-HT)	–	Antagonist	Disrupts serotonin synthesis by blocking the activity of tryptophan hydroxylase
Ondansetron	Serotonin (5-HT)	5-HT3 receptors	Antagonist	Reduces side effects of chemotherapy and radiation Reduces nausea and vomiting
Buspirone	Serotonin (5-HT)	5-HT1A receptors	Partial agonist	Treats symptoms of anxiety and depression
Fluoxetine	Serotonin (5-HT)	supports 5-HT reuptake	SSRI	Inhibits reuptake of serotonin Treats depression, some anxiety disorders, and OCD Common examples: Prozac and Sarafem
Fenfluramine	Serotonin (5-HT)	–	–	Causes release of serotonin Inhibits reuptake of serotonin Used as an appetite suppressant
Lysergic acid diethylamide	Serotonin (5-HT)	Post-synaptic 5-HT2A receptors	Direct agonist	Produces visual perception distortions Stimulates 5-HT2A receptors in forebrain
Methylenedioxy­methamphetamine (MDMA)	Serotonin (5-HT)/norepinphrine	–	–	Stimulates release of serotonin and norepinephrine and inhibits the reuptake Causes excitatory and hallucinogenic effects
Strychnine	Glycine	–	Antagonist	Causes severe muscle spasms
Diphenhydramine	Histamine			Crosses blood–brain barrier to cause drowsiness
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)	Endocannabinoids	Cannabinoid (CB) receptors	Agonist	Produces analgesia and sedation Increases appetite Cognitive effects
Rimonabant	Endocannabinoids	Cannabinoid (CB) receptors	Antagonist	Suppresses appetite Used in smoking cessation
MAFP	Endocannabinoids	–	–	Inhibits FAAH Used in research to increase cannabinoid system activity
AM1172	Endocannabinoids	–	–	Blocks cannabinoid reuptake Used in research to increase cannabinoid system activity
Anandamide (endogenous)	–	Cannabinoid (CB) receptors; 5-HT3 receptors	–	Reduce nausea and vomiting
Caffeine	Adenosine	Adenosine receptors	Antagonist	Blocks adenosine receptors Increases wakefulness
PCP	Glutamate	NMDA receptor	Indirect antagonist	Blocks PCP binding site Prevents calcium ions from entering neurons Impairs learning
AP5	Glutamate	NMDA receptor	Antagonist	Blocks glutamate binding site on NMDA receptor Impairs synaptic plasticity and certain forms of learning
Ketamine	Glutamate	NMDA receptor	Antagonist	Used as anesthesia Induces trance-like state, helps with pain relief and sedation
NMDA	Glutamate	NMDA receptor	Agonist	Used in research to study NMDA receptor Ionotropic receptor
AMPA	Glutamate	AMPA receptor	Agonist	Used in research to study AMPA receptor Ionotropic receptor
Allyglycine	GABA	–	–	Inhibits GABA synthesis Causes seizures
Muscimol	GABA	GABA receptor	Agonist	Causes sedation
Bicuculine	GABA	GABA receptor	Antagonist	Causes Seizures
Benzodiazepines	GABA	GABAA receptor	Indirect agonists	Anxiolytic, sedation, memory impairment, muscle relaxation
Barbiturates	GABA	GABAA receptor	Indirect agonists	Sedation, memory impairment, muscle relaxation
Alcohol	GABA	GABA receptor	Indirect agonist	Sedation, memory impairment, muscle relaxation
Picrotoxin	GABA	GABAA receptor	Indirect antagonist	High doses cause seizures
Tiagabine	GABA	–	Antagonist	GABA transporter antagonist Increase availability of GABA Reduces the likelihood of seizures
Moclobemide	Norepinephrine	–	Agonist	Blocks MAO-A to treat depression
Idazoxan	Norepinephrine	alpha-2 adrenergic autoreceptors	Agonist	Blocks alpha-2 autoreceptors Used to study norepinephrine system
Fusaric acid	Norepinephrine	–	–	Inhibits activity of dopamine beta-hydroxylase which blocks the production of norepinephrine Used to study norepinephrine system without affecting dopamine system
Opiates (opium, morphine, heroin, and oxycodone)	Opioids	Opioid receptor	Agonists	Analgesia, sedation, and reinforcing effects
Naloxone	Opioids	–	Antagonist	Reverses opiate intoxication or overdose symptoms (i.e. problems with breathing)

Agonists

Main article: Agonist

An agonist is a chemical capable of binding to a receptor, such as a neurotransmitter receptor, and initiating the same reaction typically produced by the binding of the endogenous substance. An agonist of a neurotransmitter will thus initiate the same receptor response as the transmitter. In neurons, an agonist drug may activate neurotransmitter receptors either directly or indirectly. Direct-binding agonists can be further characterized as full agonists, partial agonists, inverse agonists.

Direct agonists act similar to a neurotransmitter by binding directly to its associated receptor site(s), which may be located on the presynaptic neuron or postsynaptic neuron, or both. Typically, neurotransmitter receptors are located on the postsynaptic neuron, while neurotransmitter autoreceptors are located on the presynaptic neuron, as is the case for monoamine neurotransmitters; in some cases, a neurotransmitter utilizes retrograde neurotransmission, a type of feedback signaling in neurons where the neurotransmitter is released postsynaptically and binds to target receptors located on the presynaptic neuron. Nicotine, a compound found in tobacco, is a direct agonist of most nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, mainly located in cholinergic neurons. Opiates, such as morphine, heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, and methadone, are μ-opioid receptor agonists; this action mediates their euphoriant and pain relieving properties.

Indirect agonists increase the binding of neurotransmitters at their target receptors by stimulating the release or preventing the reuptake of neurotransmitters. Some indirect agonists trigger neurotransmitter release and prevent neurotransmitter reuptake. Amphetamine, for example, is an indirect agonist of postsynaptic dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin receptors in each their respective neurons; it produces both neurotransmitter release into the presynaptic neuron and subsequently the synaptic cleft and prevents their reuptake from the synaptic cleft by activating TAAR1, a presynaptic G protein-coupled receptor, and binding to a site on VMAT2, a type of monoamine transporter located on synaptic vesicles within monoamine neurons.

Antagonists

Main article: Receptor antagonist

An antagonist is a chemical that acts within the body to reduce the physiological activity of another chemical substance (such as an opiate); especially one that opposes the action on the nervous system of a drug or a substance occurring naturally in the body by combining with and blocking its nervous receptor.

There are two main types of antagonist: direct-acting Antagonist and indirect-acting Antagonists:

1. Direct-acting antagonist- which takes up space present on receptors which are otherwise taken up by neurotransmitters themselves. This results in neurotransmitters being blocked from binding to the receptors. An example of one of the most common is called Atropine.
2. Indirect-acting antagonist- drugs that inhibit the release/production of neurotransmitters (e.g., Reserpine).

Drug antagonists

An antagonist drug is one that attaches (or binds) to a site called a receptor without activating that receptor to produce a biological response. It is therefore said to have no intrinsic activity. An antagonist may also be called a receptor "blocker" because they block the effect of an agonist at the site. The pharmacological effects of an antagonist, therefore, result in preventing the corresponding receptor site's agonists (e.g., drugs, hormones, neurotransmitters) from binding to and activating it. Antagonists may be "competitive" or "irreversible".

A competitive antagonist competes with an agonist for binding to the receptor. As the concentration of antagonist increases, the binding of the agonist is progressively inhibited, resulting in a decrease in the physiological response. High concentration of an antagonist can completely inhibit the response. This inhibition can be reversed, however, by an increase of the concentration of the agonist, since the agonist and antagonist compete for binding to the receptor. Competitive antagonists, therefore, can be characterized as shifting the dose–response relationship for the agonist to the right. In the presence of a competitive antagonist, it takes an increased concentration of the agonist to produce the same response observed in the absence of the antagonist.

An irreversible antagonist binds so strongly to the receptor as to render the receptor unavailable for binding to the agonist. Irreversible antagonists may even form covalent chemical bonds with the receptor. In either case, if the concentration of the irreversible antagonist is high enough, the number of unbound receptors remaining for agonist binding may be so low that even high concentrations of the agonist do not produce the maximum biological response.

Precursors

Biosynthetic pathways for catecholamines and trace amines in the human brain

L-Phenylalanine

L-Tyrosine

L-DOPA

Epinephrine

Phenethylamine

p-Tyramine

Dopamine

Norepinephrine

N-Methylphenethylamine

N-Methyltyramine

p-Octopamine

Synephrine

3-Methoxytyramine

AADC

AADC

AADC

primary
pathway

PNMT

PNMT

PNMT

PNMT

AAAH

AAAH

brain
CYP2D6

minor
pathway

COMT

DBH

DBH

In humans, catecholamines and phenethylaminergic trace amines are derived from the amino acid L-phenylalanine.

While intake of neurotransmitter precursors does increase neurotransmitter synthesis, evidence is mixed as to whether neurotransmitter release and postsynaptic receptor firing is increased. Even with increased neurotransmitter release, it is unclear whether this will result in a long-term increase in neurotransmitter signal strength, since the nervous system can adapt to changes such as increased neurotransmitter synthesis and may therefore maintain constant firing. Some neurotransmitters may have a role in depression and there is some evidence to suggest that intake of precursors of these neurotransmitters may be useful in the treatment of mild and moderate depression.

Catecholamine and trace amine precursors

L-DOPA, a precursor of dopamine that crosses the blood–brain barrier, is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. For depressed patients where low activity of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine is implicated, there is only little evidence for benefit of neurotransmitter precursor administration. L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine are both precursors for dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These conversions require vitamin B6, vitamin C, and S-adenosylmethionine. A few studies suggest potential antidepressant effects of L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine, but there is much room for further research in this area.

Serotonin precursors

Administration of L-tryptophan, a precursor for serotonin, is seen to double the production of serotonin in the brain. It is significantly more effective than a placebo in the treatment of mild and moderate depression. This conversion requires vitamin C. 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), also a precursor for serotonin, is more effective than a placebo.

Diseases and disorders

Diseases and disorders may also affect specific neurotransmitter systems. The following are disorders involved in either an increase, decrease, or imbalance of certain neurotransmitters.

Dopamine

For example, problems in producing dopamine (mainly in the substantia nigra) can result in Parkinson's disease, a disorder that affects a person's ability to move as they want to, resulting in stiffness, tremors or shaking, and other symptoms. Some studies suggest that having too little or too much dopamine or problems using dopamine in the thinking and feeling regions of the brain may play a role in disorders like schizophrenia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Dopamine is also involved in addiction and drug use, as most recreational drugs cause an influx of dopamine in the brain (especially opioid and methamphetamines) that produces a pleasurable feeling, which is why users constantly crave drugs.

Serotonin

Similarly, after some research suggested that drugs that block the recycling, or reuptake, of serotonin seemed to help some people diagnosed with depression, it was theorized that people with depression might have lower-than-normal serotonin levels. Though widely popularized, this theory was not borne out in subsequent research. Therefore, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to increase the amounts of serotonin in synapses.

Glutamate

CAPON binds nitric oxide synthase, regulating NMDA receptor–mediated glutamate neurotransmission

Furthermore, problems with producing or using glutamate have been suggestively and tentatively linked to many mental disorders, including autism, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, and depression. Having too much glutamate has been linked to neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

Neurotransmitter imbalance

Generally, there are no scientifically established "norms" for appropriate levels or "balances" of different neurotransmitters. It is in most cases pragmatically impossible to even measure levels of neurotransmitters in a brain or body at any distinct moments in time. Neurotransmitters regulate each other's release, and weak consistent imbalances in this mutual regulation were linked to temperament in healthy people. Strong imbalances or disruptions to neurotransmitter systems have been associated with many diseases and mental disorders. These include Parkinson's, depression, insomnia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, memory loss, dramatic changes in weight and addictions. Chronic physical or emotional stress can be a contributor to neurotransmitter system changes. Genetics also plays a role in neurotransmitter activities.

Apart from recreational use, medications that directly and indirectly interact with one or more transmitter or its receptor are commonly prescribed for psychiatric and psychological issues. Notably, drugs interacting with serotonin and norepinephrine are prescribed to patients with problems such as depression and anxiety—though the notion that there is much solid medical evidence to support such interventions has been widely criticized. Studies shown that dopamine imbalance has an influence on multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders.

See also

• BK channel § Cellular level
• Kiss-and-run fusion
• Natural neuroactive substance
• Neuroendocrine
• Neuroendocrinology
• Neuropsychopharmacology
• Neurotransmission
• Neurotransmitter analog
• Neurotransmitter release
• Neural pathway
• Neuromodulation
• False neurotransmitter

External links

• Purves, Dale; Augustine, George J.; Fitzpatrick, David; Katz, Lawrence C.; LaMantia, Anthony-Samuel; McNamara, James O.; Williams, S. Mark (2001). "Chapter 6. Neurotransmitters". What Defines a Neurotransmitter? (2nd ed.). Sunderland (MA): Sinauer Associates. ISBN 0-87893-742-0. {{cite book}}: |journal= ignored (help)
• Holz, Ronald W.; Fisher, Stephen K. (1999). "Chapter 10. Synaptic Transmission and Cellular Signaling: An Overview". In Siegel, George J; Agranoff, Bernard W; Albers, R Wayne; Fisher, Stephen K; Uhler, Michael D (eds.). Synaptic Transmission (6th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven. ISBN 0-397-51820-X. {{cite book}}: |journal= ignored (help)
• Neurotransmitters and Neuroactive Peptides at Neuroscience for Kids website