Neurotransmitter

A Neurotransmitter (pronounced: /ˌnʊərəʊˈtrænzmɪtər/) is a type of chemical messenger which transmits signals across a chemical synapse, such as a neuromuscular junction, from one neuron (nerve cell) to another "target" neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell.

Etymology

The term "neurotransmitter" was coined by British scientists in the 1920s. The word is derived from the Greek words neuro meaning "nerve" and transmitter meaning "one who, or that which transmits".

Types of Neurotransmitters

There are several recognized types of neurotransmitters, classified by their chemical properties and the effects they have on their target cells. These include:

Amino acids: Glutamate, Aspartate, D-serine, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), Glycine
Peptides: Somatostatin, Substance P, Cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript, Opioid peptides
Monoamines: Dopamine (DA), Norepinephrine (NE), Epinephrine, Histamine, Serotonin (5-HT)
Purines: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), Adenosine
Gases: Nitric oxide (NO), Carbon monoxide (CO)
Trace amines: Phenethylamine, N-Methylphenethylamine, Tyramine, 3-Iodothyronamine, Octopamine, Tryptamine

Function

Neurotransmitters are stored in synaptic vesicles, clustered close to the cell membrane at the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron. They are released into and diffuse across the synaptic cleft, where they bind to specific receptors in the membrane on the postsynaptic side of the synapse.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Neurotransmitter
Wikipedia's article - Neurotransmitter

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Neurotransmitter