Neurotransmitters and Neuroactive Peptides
Communication of information between neurons is accomplished by movementof chemicals across the synapse. Thesechemicals, called neurotransmitters are releasedfrom one neuron (the presynaptic nerve terminal), then cross the synapse,and then are accepted by the next neuron at a specialized site (thepostsynaptic receptor). The action that follows activation of a receptorsite can be either depolarization (an excitatory postsynaptic potential)or hyperpolarization (an inhibitory postsynaptic potential). There aremany types of neurotransmitter substances. Below is a list of some ofthem. Small Molecule Neurotransmitter Substances
- Acetylcholine (ACh)
- Biogenic Amines
- Dopamine (DA)
- Norepinephrine (NE)
- Serotonin (5-HT)
- Histamine
- Amino Acids
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
- Glycine
- Glutamate
- Aspartate (evidence as a neurotransmitter is not strong)
Neuroactive Peptides - partial list!!
bradykinin beta-endorphin bombesin calcitonin cholecystokinin enkephalin dynophin insulingastrin substance P neurotensin glucagonsecretin somatostatin motilin vasopressinoxytocin prolactin thyrotropin angiotensin IIsleep peptides galanin neuropeptide Ythyrotropin-releasing hormonegonadotropnin-releasing hormonegrowth hormone-releasing hormoneluteinizing hormonevasoactive intestinal peptide
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