Neurotransmitters and their functions

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the human central nervous system.

Glycine, as a neurotransmitter amino acid, relieves the symptoms of excessive arousal and normalizes inhibition processes. Glycine normalizes sleep, stimulates brain function, and relieves emotional stress.

Glutamic acid (glutamate) is the main excitatory neurotransmitter of the brain, which ensures the formation of connections between neurons, the work of which underlies learning and long—term memory.

Aspartic acid (asparaginate) is an excitatory neurotransmitter in the neurons of the cerebral cortex.

Adrenaline is classified as an excitatory neurotransmitter, but its role for synaptic transmission remains unclear.

Norepinephrine is primarily an excitatory neurotransmitter that increases the level of physical and mental activity and has an invigorating effect. The main center of norepinephrine production is located in the blue spot, one of several areas of the brain that claim to be colloquially referred to as the “pleasure center.”

Dopamine, often referred to as the “pleasure molecule,” serves as an important part of the brain’s “reward system,” and also plays an important role in attention, memory, and movement processes. The most well-known dopamine-related pathologies are schizophrenia and Parkinsonism, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder. The process of normal aging is also associated with a decrease in dopamine levels in the subcortical formations and the anterior parts of the brain.

Serotonin is called the “good mood substance.” Increased serotonin concentration (or sensitivity to it) is associated with optimism and calmness. In addition, it affects sleep, pain sensitivity, appetite, and blood pressure.

Histamine — Some amounts of histamine are found in the central nervous system, where it is believed to play the role of a neurotransmitter. It works as a soft excitatory mediator in the brain.

Acetylcholine controls activity in areas of the brain associated with concentration, learning, and memory. In people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, its level in the cerebral cortex is usually lowered.

Anandamide is a neurotransmitter and neuroregulator that plays a role in the mechanisms of origin of pain, depression, appetite, memory problems, and deterioration of reproductive functions. It also increases the resistance of the heart to the arrhythmogenic effects of ischemia and reperfusion.

Taurine plays the role of a neurotransmitter amino acid that inhibits synaptic transmission and has anticonvulsant activity. The cardiotropic effect of taurine is responsible for an increase in norepinephrine production and increased heart rate.

Tryptamine — tryptamine is thought to play the role of a neurotransmitter and neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain.

Source:

• Rita Carter “How the brain works”
• Moheb Kostandi “The human brain. 50 ideas to know about”
• Sidorov A.V. “Physiology of intercellular communication”