What is a neurotransmitter? What kind of chemicals are they?

Neurotransmitters

Acetylcholine (ACh)

ACh Famous for neuromuscular junction ACh released tells muscles to contract Cool stuff: Botox inhibits release of ACh, paralysing muscles Nerve gas blocks AChE http://illumin.usc.edu/52/the-botox-lowdown-science-safety-and-success/

Biogenic Amines - Catecholamines

Biogenic Amines – Indolamines Serotonin modulate mood, emotion, sleep and appetite

Dopamine helps control the brain's reward and pleasure centers helps regulate movement and emotional responses Dopamine deficiency results in Parkinson's Disease

Norepinephrine (NE ) Noradrenaline Involved in attention and arousal in CNS In PNS involved in fight or flight As a neurotransmitter works to increase heart rate

Purines – ATP and adenosine Neurotransmitters too! ATP – involved in pain sensation Adenosine – inhibitory neurotransmitter (causes hyperpolarization… making depolarization more difficult)

Amino Acid Neurotransmitters GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) – presynaptic inhibition Mess with GABA  seizure Glutamate – associated with learning Associated with learning and memory

Peptides – amino acid chains substance P – pain mediator Endorphins – natural pain killers… reduce perception of pain ~20 of them Endo = inside Oprh = morphine endorphin = Morphine like substance produced in body Opiate - anything that causes dullness or inaction or that soothes the feelings.

Dynorphin Enkephalin