Neurotransmitters Flashcards
Acetylcholine
Organic molecule that functions as a NT
Transmitter at muscles
In brain, involved in learning
Monoamines
Serotonin
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
Epinephrine
Serotonin
Monoamine
mood, sleep, and arousal
aggression, depression, OCD, and alcoholism
Dopamine
Monoamine
Contributes to movement control and promotes reinforcing effects of abuse drugs, food, and sex
Involved in schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease
Norepinephrine
Monoamine
A hormone released during stress
Functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain to increase arousal and attentiveness to events in the environment
Also involved in depression
Epinephrine
Monoamine
A stress hormone related to norepinephrine
Plays a minor role as a neurotransmitter in the brain
Amino Acids
Glutamate
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Glycine
Glutamate
Amino Acid
The principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal cord
Vitally involved in learning, and implicated in schizophrenia
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Amino Acid
The predominant inhibitory neurotransmitter
Its receptors respond to alcohol and the class of tranquilizers called benzodiazepines
Deficiency in GABA or receptors is one cause of epilepsy
Glycine
Amino Acid
Inhibitory transmitter in the spinal cord and lower brain
The poison strychnine causes convulsions and death by affecting glycine activity
Peptides
Endorphins
Substance P
Neuropeptide Y
Endorphins
Peptides
Neural modulators that reduce pain and enhance reinforcement
Substance P
Peptide
Transmitter in neurons sensitive to pain
Neuropeptide Y
Peptide
Initiates eating and produces metabolic shifts
Nitric Oxide
Gas
One of two known gaseous transmitters, along with carbon monoxide
Can serve as a retrograde transmitter, influencing the presynaptic neurons release of neurotransmitter
