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Ψ Transmitters (chemical messengers) can be excitatory or inhibitory.
Neurotransmitters: A special class of transmitters, neurotransmitters are chemical substances that carry impulses from one nerve cell to another; found in the space (synapse) that separates the transmitting neuron's terminal (axon) from the receiving neuron's terminal (dendrite).
Neurotransmitters have unique chemical keys and chemical locks.
Ψ Some better understood neurotransmitters are:
• Serotonin which affects neurons involved in sleep, appetite, sensory perception, temperature regulation, pain suppression, & mood.
• Norepinephine which affects neurons involved in increased heart rate, & the slowing of intestinal activity during stress, & neurons involved in learning, memory, dreaming, waking from sleep, & emotion. Note: Low levels of serotonin & norepinephrine have been associated with severe depression.
• Dopamine which affects neurons involved in voluntary movement, learning, memory, emotion, & possibly, response to novelty.
• Acetylcholine which affects neurons involved in muscle action, cognitive functioning, memory , & emotion.
• Glutamate functions as the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.
• GABA functions as the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Alcohol mimics GABA neurons & opens GABA locks. Oops!
Ψ New (other) Transmitters;
• Endorphins: some endorphins function as neurotransmitters, but most act primarily by altering the effects of neurotransmitters by limiting or prolonging their effects. The brain's own pain killer.
• Anandamide: (similar to THC the active
ingredient of marijuana). May help in the regulation of emotion.
• Nitric oxide: (emotional regulator)
(a.k.a. laughing gas) |
