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Neurotransmitters - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 10:15, 23 August 2011
, 10:15, 23 August 2011no edit summary
==Types of neurotransmitter==
==Types of neurotransmitter==
===Small-molecule Neurotransmitters===
===Small-molecule Neurotransmitters===
There are two major sub-groups of SMTs; '''amino acids''' and '''biogenic amines'''. Amino acid
There are two major sub-groups of SMTs; '''amino acids''' and '''biogenic amines'''.
====Amino Acids===
'''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 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'''. 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'''.
====Other SMTs====
Other common SMTs include '''acetylcholine''' (ACh) and '''nitric oxide'''. Ach is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the peripheral nervous system.
These include:
These include: