neurotransmitter

Function

• a specific molecule released by a presynaptic neuron at a chemical synapse that crosses the synaptic cleft & binds to a synaptic receptor on the postsynaptic neuronforming the chemical synapse producing an inhibitory or stimulatory effect on the postsynaptic neuron (neurotransmission)
• more than one neurotransmitter may be released at any particular chemical synapse
• the neurotransmitter released into the synaptic cleft may modulate neurotransmitter release through binding to presynaptic receptors

Neurotransmitters include:

• acetylcholine (always 1st neurotransmitter out of CNS)
• 5 amines
• 4 amino acids
• 2 purines
• > 28 peptides
• 2 gases*

* nitric oxide may be a retrograde neurotransmitter released from postsynaptic neurons, inducing effects in presynaptic neurons.

* carbon monoxide (CO) is formed by heme oxygenase

More general terms

• bioagent
• molecule

More specific terms

• acetylcholine (Miochol, Pragmoline)
• adenosine (Adenocard, Adenoscan)
• endorphin
• galanin; galanin peptide; GMAP (GAL, GAL1, GALN GLNN)
• gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA, Gammalone, Mielomade)
• glutamate
• hypocretin; orexin (HCRT, OX, PPORX, PPOX)
• inosine
• neurotensin/neuromedin N; contains: large neuromedin N (NmN-125), neuromedin N (NN, NmN), neurotensin (NT), tail peptide (NTS)
• serotonin; 5-hydroxytryptamine
• substance-P
• vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP); [precursor contains: intestinal peptide PHV-42; intestinal peptide PHM-27; peptide histidine methioninamide 27; vasoactive intestinal peptide]
• vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, ADH)

Additional terms

• neurotransmission