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| '''Amino acid glutamate''' is the most common excitatory SMT in the [[Nervous_and_Special_Senses_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Central_Nervous_System_.28CNS.29|central nervous system]] whilst '''gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)''' is the most common inhibitory SMT. Other amino acid SMTs include '''aspartate''' and '''glycine'''. | | '''Amino acid glutamate''' is the most common excitatory SMT in the [[Nervous_and_Special_Senses_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Central_Nervous_System_.28CNS.29|central nervous system]] whilst '''gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)''' is the most common inhibitory SMT. Other amino acid SMTs include '''aspartate''' and '''glycine'''. |
| ====Biogenic Amines==== | | ====Biogenic Amines==== |
− | Biogenic amines are synthesised from only several types of amino acids and dependant on which amino acids are used in their formation depends on their classification. Biogenic amines that are derived from the amino acid tyrosine are classified as '''catecholamines''' and include the SMTs '''norepinephrine''' (noradrenaline), '''epinephrine''' (adrenaline) and '''dopamine'''. Adrenergic neurons release norepinephrine. The biogenic amines that is dervied from the amino acid '''tryptophane''' is called '''serotonin (5-HT)''' whilst the SMT derived from '''histidine''' is called '''histamine'''. Serotonergic neurons release serotonin. Whilst these SMTs are primarily of importance in the central nervous system, norepinephrine is predominantly found in the peripheral nervous system. | + | Biogenic amines are synthesised from only several types of amino acids and dependant on which amino acids are used in their formation depends on their classification. Biogenic amines that are derived from the amino acid tyrosine are classified as '''catecholamines''' and include the SMTs '''norepinephrine (NE)''' (noradrenaline), '''epinephrine (E)''' (adrenaline), '''melatonin''' and '''dopamine (DA)'''. Adrenergic neurons release norepinephrine. The biogenic amine that is dervied from the amino acid '''tryptophane''' is called '''serotonin (5-HT)''' whilst the SMT derived from '''histidine''' is called '''histamine (HA)'''. Serotonergic neurons release serotonin. Whilst these SMTs are primarily of importance in the central nervous system, norepinephrine is predominantly found in the peripheral nervous system. |
| ====Other SMTs==== | | ====Other SMTs==== |
− | Other common SMTs include '''acetylcholine (ACh)''', '''ATP''' and '''nitric oxide (NO)'''. Ach is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the peripheral nervous system. Cholinergic neurons release ACh and for example, are found in the [[Muscles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Neurogenic_Contraction|neuromuscular junction]]. ATP, as well as having many important intracellular functions, is an important neurotransmitter and also has an autocrine and paracrine function. All synaptic vesicles released by the terminal membrane of a nerve contain ATP as well as other neurotransmitters, although ATP can only function as a neurotransmitter in it's own right if the post-synpatic terminal membrane contains ATP receptors. These ATP receptors are referred to as '''purinergic receptors'''. A pre-synaptic nerve terminal or terminal membrane never releases multiple types of SMT in addition to ATP, although it is common that neuropeptides are released in addition to ATP and SMTs. | + | Other common SMTs include '''acetylcholine (ACh)''', '''ATP''' and '''nitric oxide (NO)'''. Ach is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the peripheral nervous system. Cholinergic neurons release ACh and for example, are found in the [[Muscles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Neurogenic_Contraction|neuromuscular junction]]. '''Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)''', as well as having many important intracellular functions, is an important neurotransmitter and also has an autocrine and paracrine function. ATP belongs to the '''Purines''' SMT group. All synaptic vesicles released by the terminal membrane of a nerve contain ATP as well as other neurotransmitters, although ATP can only function as a neurotransmitter in it's own right if the post-synpatic terminal membrane contains ATP receptors. These ATP receptors are referred to as '''purinergic receptors'''. A pre-synaptic nerve terminal or terminal membrane never releases multiple types of SMT in addition to ATP, although it is common that neuropeptides are released in addition to ATP and SMTs. Other SMTs within the purine group include '''Guanosine triphosphate (GTP)''' and their derivatives. |
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− | These include:
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− | * '''Acetylcholine''' (Ach)
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− | * '''Monoamines''' - epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and melatonin.
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− | *Three or four amino acids, depending on exact definition used: primarily glutamic acid, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), aspartic acid & glycine.
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− | * '''Purines''' -(Adenosine, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), Guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and their derivatives. | + | * '''Peptides''' - vasopressin, somatostatin etc. |
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− | * '''Peptides''' - vasopressin, somatostatin etc.
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− | * '''Histamine''' (HA)
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| * '''Single ions''' - such as synaptically released zinc. | | * '''Single ions''' - such as synaptically released zinc. |
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− | * '''Gaseous''' - nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO).
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| ==Function== | | ==Function== |