Nervous System Health - Neurotransmitters Flashcards
What are neurotransmitters (NTs), and how do they function?
Neurotransmitters (NTs) are chemical messengers released from a pre-synaptic terminal that cause an excitatory or inhibitory effect on the post-synaptic cell.
What factors can contribute to neurotransmitter imbalances?
Neurotransmitter imbalances can result from inadequate nutrition, high stress, toxicity, genetic SNPs, poor digestive health, drug use, and other multifactorial issues.
What role does methylation play in neurotransmitter synthesis?
Methyl folate is needed for biopterin (BH4), a cofactor for serotonin and dopamine synthesis. SAMe (from methyl folate and B12) is required for melatonin and adrenaline production.
How are neurotransmitters inactivated and removed?
Neurotransmitters are inactivated and removed via enzyme breakdown, diffusion, or reabsorption. Key enzymes include monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT).
What is serotonin, and where is it produced?
Serotonin (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter produced from tryptophan. It is synthesized primarily in enterochromaffin cells and bacteria in the gut (95%) and in the CNS.
What are the functions of serotonin?
Serotonin functions as a signaling molecule in the GI tract (regulating motility and secretions), influences mood, appetite, sleep (melatonin synthesis), and blood clotting.
What are some causes of low serotonin levels?
Low serotonin can result from insufficient nutrients (e.g., tryptophan, B6), chronic stress, GI dysbiosis, lack of sunlight, caffeine, alcohol use, sedentary lifestyle, and heavy metal exposure.
What is the “tryptophan steal” pathway, and how does it affect serotonin levels?
The tryptophan steal occurs when tryptophan is diverted to the kynurenine pathway to produce NAD+ and ATP instead of serotonin. Stress and inflammation upregulate this pathway, producing quinolinic acid, an excitotoxin linked to neurodegenerative diseases.
What is GABA, and what is its relationship with glutamate?
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates relaxation and reduces excitability. It has a Yin-Yang relationship with glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter.
What are some causes of GABA deficiency?
GABA deficiency can be caused by chronic stress, alcohol use (inhibits GAD), cofactor deficiencies (e.g., B6, magnesium), dysbiosis, limited exercise, and impaired digestion.
What is dopamine, and what are its key functions?
Dopamine (DA) is a catecholamine neurotransmitter involved in motor control, curiosity, working memory, cognition, reward-seeking behavior, and motivation.
What are the key causes of dopamine imbalances?
Dopamine imbalances may arise from insufficient dietary intake of phenylalanine/tyrosine, chronic stress, sleep deprivation, high sugar diets, poor gut health, and genetic SNPs.
What are the functions of acetylcholine (ACh), and how is it formed?
Acetylcholine is essential for mood, memory, and learning. It is formed from mitochondrial acetyl-CoA and dietary choline, with its release supported by a healthy diet, lifestyle, and BDNF.
Summarize the key neurotransmitters, their amino acid precursors, and functions.
Neurotransmitter: Serotonin
Amino Acid Precursor: Tryptophan
Functions: Mood, sleep, attention, motivation.
Neurotransmitter: GABA
Amino Acid Precursor: Glutamine
Functions: Sleep, relaxation.
Neurotransmitter: Glutamate
Amino Acid Precursor: Glutamine
Functions: Reward, attention, learning.
Neurotransmitter: Dopamine/Adrenaline
Amino Acid Precursor: L-Phenylalanine/Tyrosine
Functions: Arousal, memory, stress response.
Neurotransmitter: Acetylcholine
Amino Acid Precursor: Choline
Functions: Mood, memory, learning.
