Which of the following is true about neurotransmitters? Let’s find out!

Neurotransmitters are essential in allowing our nerves and cells in the body to communicate. They are chemicals that aid in transmitting the stimulus from the nerve cells to muscles, other cells, and nerve cells. The word neurotransmitter comes from the words “neuro” meaning nerve and “transmitter” which implies communication. These chemical abnormalities may cause people to experience a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. In most cases, a person’s brain functions are influenced by the type and amount of neurotransmitter present in the body.

The primary types of neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are classified into two types- inhibitory neurotransmitters, and excitatory neurotransmitters. Once a neurotransmitter attaches itself to a receptor site on a neuron, it sends a signal to open an ion channel. This causes an influx of ions into or out of the neuron. Inhibitory neurotransmitters work by allowing negatively-charged ions into the neuron or positively charged ions out of it. Excitatory neurotransmitters work by allowing positively charged ions to flow into the neuron, while inhibiting negative ions out of it.

Inhibitory neurotransmitters

Inhibitory neurotransmitters are the type of neurotransmitters that work by depressing activities in the nervous system. The primary types of inhibitory neurotransmitters include Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and Glycine. GABA is the most crucial neurotransmitter in the brain and plays a crucial role in many processes, including mood disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.

Excitatory neurotransmitter

Excitatory neurotransmitters play a role in enhancing the activities of nerve cells in the brain by releasing stimulants. The most common types of excitatory neurotransmitters include Glutamate and Dopamine. Glutamate is found in almost every brain and is responsible for memory and learning. Dopamine, on the other hand, plays a vital role in the reward system of the brain – it is the hormone that gets us excited, motivated, and passionate.

Functions of neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are vital in regulating many physiological and psychological activities in the body. They help in maintaining homeostasis, deal with stress and respond to stimuli from the external environment. The following are some of the critical functions of neurotransmitters:

  • Regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Regulate respiration and breathing.
  • Influences mood and regulates emotional and cognitive functions.
  • Regulate digestion and metabolism.
  • Assist in pain sensation and reactions to it.
  • Controls involuntary body functions such as sleeping patterns, muscular movements, and the overall function of all vital organs.

Neurotransmitter abnormalities and diseases

Given that neurotransmitters play a critical role in the regulation of various physiological and psychological activities in the body, abnormalities in their supply or activity can significantly affect a person’s health. Chemical abnormalities may cause people to experience a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The following are examples of abnormalities that may arise:

  • Low levels of Dopamine cause Parkinson’s disease, which affects muscular movement.
  • Serotonin irregularities in the brain lead to depression and other mental illnesses.
  • GABA abnormalities are associated with anxiety and migraine headaches.
  • Abnormalities associated with Glutamate receptors can cause Epilepsy or Schizophrenia disorder.
  • Inadequate supplies of acetylcholine cause Alzheimer’s disease.

Neurotransmitter level testing

It is essential to figure out the chemical makeup of neurotransmitters in a person’s body when they present with symptoms related to mental and neurological illnesses. Different tests are available, including:

  • Blood tests – these tests can provide details about the levels of amino acids and other neurotransmitters in the blood.
  • Urinary tests – test levels of methyl histamine and other substances that indicate neurotransmitter activity.
  • Saliva test
  • Spinal fluid analysis

Effect of drugs on neurotransmitters

Drugs can also affect the levels of neurotransmitters in the body. For instance, antidepressant medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Anti-anxiety medication may increase dopamine levels to improve mood and reduce anxiety. On the other hand, drugs of abuse such as opioids, cocaine, and amphetamines increase dopamine levels, producing a feeling of euphoria.

Conclusion

Neurotransmitters are essential in ensuring proper functioning of the body. They act as messengers between nerve cells, muscles, and other cells, transmitting stimuli from one cell to another. The balance of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters is crucial in maintaining homeostasis in the body. Abnormalities in the supply or activity of neurotransmitters may cause various neurological and psychiatric disorders. It is essential to monitor neurotransmitter levels in the body to enable early diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to their activity or supply in the body.

FAQs

What are neurotransmitters, and what do they do?

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that act as messengers between nerve cells, muscles, and other cells, transmitting stimuli from one cell to another.

What is the role of neurotransmitters in the body?

Neurotransmitters are vital in regulating many physiological and psychological activities in the body. They help in maintaining homeostasis, deal with stress and respond to stimuli from the external environment.

What are the primary types of neurotransmitters?

The primary types of neurotransmitters include inhibitory neurotransmitters and excitatory neurotransmitters.

Which neurotransmitters are inhibitory?

The primary types of inhibitory neurotransmitters include Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and Glycine.

Which neurotransmitters are excitatory?

The most common types of excitatory neurotransmitters include Glutamate and Dopamine.

What happens if there is a neurotransmitter abnormality?

Abnormalities in the supply or activity of neurotransmitters may cause various neurological and psychiatric disorders.

What tests are available for measuring neurotransmitter levels?

Blood tests, urinary tests, saliva tests, and spinal fluid analysis are tests available for measuring neurotransmitter levels.

How do drugs affect neurotransmitter levels in the brain?

Drugs can increase or decrease neurotransmitter levels in the body. For instance, antidepressant medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

What are the crucial functions of neurotransmitters?

  • Regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Regulate respiration and breathing.
  • Influences mood and regulates emotional and cognitive functions.
  • Regulate digestion and metabolism.
  • Assist in pain sensation and reactions to it.
  • Controls involuntary body functions such as sleeping patterns, muscular movements, and the overall function of all vital organs.

References

  • Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine (20th Ed) (2018)
  • McGraw-Hil Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine (2006)
  • Comprehensive Clinical Psychology (1st Ed) (1998)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *