Neurotransmitter

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A neurotransmitter is a signaling molecule secreted by a neuron to affect another cell across a synapse. The cell receiving the signal, or target cell, may be another neuron, but could also be a gland or muscle cell. [1]

Contents

Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft where they are able to interact with neurotransmitter receptors on the target cell. Some neurotransmitters are also stored in large dense core vesicles. [2] The neurotransmitter's effect on the target cell is determined by the receptor it binds to. Many neurotransmitters are synthesized from simple and plentiful precursors such as amino acids, which are readily available and often require a small number of biosynthetic steps for conversion.

Neurotransmitters are essential to the function of complex neural systems. The exact number of unique neurotransmitters in humans is unknown, but more than 100 have been identified. [3] Common neurotransmitters include glutamate, GABA, acetylcholine, glycine, dopamine and norepinephrine.

Mechanism and cycle

Synthesis

Neurotransmitters are generally synthesized in neurons and are made up of, or derived from, precursor molecules that are found abundantly in the cell. Classes of neurotransmitters include amino acids, monoamines, and peptides. Monoamines are synthesized by altering a single amino acid. For example, the precursor of serotonin is the amino acid tryptophan. Peptide neurotransmitters, or neuropeptides, are protein transmitters which are larger than the classical small-molecule neurotransmitters and are often released together to elicit a modulatory effect. [4] Purine neurotransmitters, like ATP, are derived from nucleic acids. Metabolic products such as nitric oxide and carbon monoxide have also been reported to act like neurotransmitters. [5]

Examples
Amino acids glycine, glutamate
Monoamines serotonin, epinephrine, dopamine
Peptides substance P, opioids
Purines ATP, GTP
Other nitric oxide, carbon monoxide

Storage

Synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters.jpg
Synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are generally stored in synaptic vesicles, clustered close to the cell membrane at the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron. However, some neurotransmitters, like the metabolic gases carbon monoxide and nitric oxide, are synthesized and released immediately following an action potential without ever being stored in vesicles. [6]

Release

Generally, a neurotransmitter is released via exocytosis at the presynaptic terminal in response to an electrical signal called an action potential in the presynaptic neuron. However, low-level "baseline" release also occurs without electrical stimulation. Neurotransmitters are released into and diffuse across the synaptic cleft, where they bind to specific receptors on the membrane of the postsynaptic neuron. [7]

Receptor interaction

After being released into the synaptic cleft, neurotransmitters diffuse across the synapse where they are able to interact with receptors on the target cell. The effect of the neurotransmitter is dependent on the identity of the target cell's receptors present at the synapse. Depending on the receptor, binding of neurotransmitters may cause excitation, inhibition, or modulation of the postsynaptic neuron. [8]

Elimination

Acetylcholine is cleaved in the synaptic cleft into acetic acid and choline. Synapse acetylcholine.png
Acetylcholine is cleaved in the synaptic cleft into acetic acid and choline.

In order to avoid continuous activation of receptors on the post-synaptic or target cell, neurotransmitters must be removed from the synaptic cleft. [9] Neurotransmitters are removed through one of three mechanisms:

  1. Diffusion – neurotransmitters drift out of the synaptic cleft, where they are absorbed by glial cells. These glial cells, usually astrocytes, absorb the excess neurotransmitters.
    • Astrocytes, a type of glial cell in the brain, actively contribute to synaptic communication through astrocytic diffusion or gliotransmission. Neuronal activity triggers an increase in astrocytic calcium levels, prompting the release of gliotransmitters, such as glutamate, ATP, and D-serine.These gliotransmitters diffuse into the extracellular space, interacting with nearby neurons and influencing synaptic transmission. By regulating extracellular neurotransmitter levels, astrocytes help maintain proper synaptic function. This bidirectional communication between astrocytes and neurons add complexity to brain signaling, with implications for brain function and neurological disorders. [10] [11]
  2. Enzyme degradation – proteins called enzymes break the neurotransmitters down.
  3. Reuptake – neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the pre-synaptic neuron. Transporters, or membrane transport proteins, pump neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft back into axon terminals (the presynaptic neuron) where they are stored for reuse.

For example, acetylcholine is eliminated by having its acetyl group cleaved by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase; the remaining choline is then taken in and recycled by the pre-synaptic neuron to synthesize more acetylcholine. [12] Other neurotransmitters are able to diffuse away from their targeted synaptic junctions and are eliminated from the body via the kidneys, or destroyed in the liver. Each neurotransmitter has very specific degradation pathways at regulatory points, which may be targeted by the body's regulatory system or medication. Cocaine blocks a dopamine transporter responsible for the reuptake of dopamine. Without the transporter, dopamine diffuses much more slowly from the synaptic cleft and continues to activate the dopamine receptors on the target cell. [13]

Discovery

Until the early 20th century, scientists assumed that the majority of synaptic communication in the brain was electrical. However, through histological examinations by Ramón y Cajal, a 20 to 40 nm gap between neurons, known today as the synaptic cleft, was discovered. The presence of such a gap suggested communication via chemical messengers traversing the synaptic cleft, and in 1921 German pharmacologist Otto Loewi confirmed that neurons can communicate by releasing chemicals. Through a series of experiments involving the vagus nerves of frogs, Loewi was able to manually slow the heart rate of frogs by controlling the amount of saline solution present around the vagus nerve. Upon completion of this experiment, Loewi asserted that sympathetic regulation of cardiac function can be mediated through changes in chemical concentrations. Furthermore, Otto Loewi is credited with discovering acetylcholine (ACh) – the first known neurotransmitter. [14]

Identification

To identify neurotransmitters, the following criteria are typically considered:

  1. Synthesis: The chemical must be produced within the neuron or be present in it as a precursor molecule.
  2. Release and response: When the neuron is activated, the chemical must be released and elicit a response in target cells or neurons.
  3. Experimental response: Application of the chemical directly to the target cells should produce the same response observed when the chemical is naturally released from neurons.
  4. Removal mechanism: There must be a mechanism in place to remove the neurotransmitter from its site of action once its signaling role is complete. [15]

However, given advances in pharmacology, genetics, and chemical neuroanatomy, the term "neurotransmitter" can be applied to chemicals that:

The anatomical localization of neurotransmitters is typically determined using immunocytochemical techniques, which identify the location of either the transmitter substances themselves or of the enzymes that are involved in their synthesis. Immunocytochemical techniques have also revealed that many transmitters, particularly the neuropeptides, are co-localized, that is, a neuron may release more than one transmitter from its synaptic terminal. [16] Various techniques and experiments such as staining, stimulating, and collecting can be used to identify neurotransmitters throughout the central nervous system. [17]

Actions

Neurons communicate with each other through synapses, specialized contact points where neurotransmitters transmit signals. When an action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal, the action potential can trigger the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, influencing the receiving neuron in either an inhibitory or excitatory manner. If the overall excitatory influences outweigh the inhibitory influences, the receiving neuron may generate its own action potential, continuing the transmission of information to the next neuron in the network. This process allows for the flow of information and the formation of complex neural networks. [18]

Modulation

A neurotransmitter may have an excitatory, inhibitory or modulatory effect on the target cell. The effect is determined by the receptors the neurotransmitter interacts with at the post-synaptic membrane. Neurotransmitter influences trans-membrane ion flow either to increase (excitatory) or to decrease (inhibitory) the probability that the cell with which it comes in contact will produce an action potential. Synapses containing receptors with excitatory effects are called Type I synapses, while Type II synapses contain receptors with inhibitory effects. [19] Thus, despite the wide variety of synapses, they all convey messages of only these two types. The two types are different appearance and are primarily located on different parts of the neurons under its influence. [20] Receptors with modulatory effects are spread throughout all synaptic membranes and binding of neurotransmitters sets in motion signaling cascades that help the cell regulate its function. [8] Binding of neurotransmitters to receptors with modulatory effects can have many results. For example, it may result in an increase or decrease in sensitivity to future stimulus by recruiting more or less receptors to the synaptic membrane.

Type I (excitatory) synapses are typically located on the shafts or the spines of dendrites, whereas type II (inhibitory) synapses are typically located on a cell body. In addition, Type I synapses have round synaptic vesicles, whereas the vesicles of type II synapses are flattened. The material on the presynaptic and post-synaptic membranes is denser in a Type I synapse than it is in a Type II, and the Type I synaptic cleft is wider. Finally, the active zone on a Type I synapse is larger than that on a Type II synapse.

The different locations of Type I and Type II synapses divide a neuron into two zones: an excitatory dendritic tree and an inhibitory cell body. From an inhibitory perspective, excitation comes in over the dendrites and spreads to the axon hillock to trigger an action potential. If the message is to be stopped, it is best stopped by applying inhibition on the cell body, close to the axon hillock where the action potential originates. Another way to conceptualize excitatory–inhibitory interaction is to picture excitation overcoming inhibition. If the cell body is normally in an inhibited state, the only way to generate an action potential at the axon hillock is to reduce the cell body's inhibition. In this "open the gates" strategy, the excitatory message is like a racehorse ready to run down the track, but first, the inhibitory starting gate must be removed. [21]

Neurotransmitter actions

As explained above, the only direct action of a neurotransmitter is to activate a receptor. Therefore, the effects of a neurotransmitter system depend on the connections of the neurons that use the transmitter, and the chemical properties of the receptors.

Types

There are many different ways to classify neurotransmitters and are commonly classified into amino acids, monoamines and peptides. [35]

Some of the major neurotransmitters are:

In addition, over 100 neuroactive peptides have been found, and new ones are discovered regularly. [38] [39] Many of these are co-released along with a small-molecule transmitter. Nevertheless, in some cases, a peptide is the primary transmitter at a synapse. Beta-Endorphin is a relatively well-known example of a peptide neurotransmitter because it engages in highly specific interactions with opioid receptors in the central nervous system.

Single ions (such as synaptically released zinc) are also considered neurotransmitters by some, [40] as well as some gaseous molecules such as nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). [41] The gases are produced in the neural cytoplasm and are immediately diffused through the cell membrane into the extracellular fluid and into nearby cells to stimulate production of second messengers. Soluble gas neurotransmitters are difficult to study, as they act rapidly and are immediately broken down, existing for only a few seconds.

The most prevalent transmitter is glutamate, which is excitatory at well over 90% of the synapses in the human brain. [36] The next most prevalent is gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, or GABA, which is inhibitory at more than 90% of the synapses that do not use glutamate. Although other transmitters are used in fewer synapses, they may be very important functionally: the great majority of psychoactive drugs exert their effects by altering the actions of some neurotransmitter systems, often acting through transmitters other than glutamate or GABA. Addictive drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines exert their effects primarily on the dopamine system. The addictive opiate drugs exert their effects primarily as functional analogs of opioid peptides, which, in turn, regulate dopamine levels.

List of neurotransmitters, peptides, and gaseous signaling molecules

Neurotransmitters
CategoryNameAbbreviation Metabotropic Ionotropic
Small Tooltip Small molecule: Amino acids (Arg) Arginine Arg, R α2-Adrenergic receptors, imidazoline receptors NMDA receptors
Small: Amino acids Aspartate Asp, D NMDA receptors
Small: Amino acids Glutamate Glu, E Metabotropic glutamate receptors NMDA receptors, kainate receptors, AMPARs
Small: Amino acids Gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA GABAB receptors GABAA receptors, GABAA-ρ receptors
Small: Amino acids Glycine Gly, G NMDA receptors, glycine receptors
Small: Amino acids D-serine Ser, S NMDA receptors
Small: Acetylcholine Acetylcholine ACh Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Small: Monoamine (Phe/Tyr) Dopamine DA Dopamine receptors, trace amine-associated receptor 1 [42] [43]
Small: Monoamine (Phe/Tyr) Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)NE, NAd Adrenergic receptors
Small: Monoamine (Phe/Tyr) Epinephrine (adrenaline)Epi, Ad Adrenergic receptors
Small: Monoamine (Trp) Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine)5-HT Serotonin receptors (all except 5-HT3) 5-HT3
Small: Monoamine (His) Histamine H Histamine receptors
Small: Trace amine (Phe) Phenethylamine PEA Trace amine-associated receptors TAAR1, TAAR2
Small: Trace amine (Phe) N-methylphenethylamine NMPEA TAAR1
Small: Trace amine (Phe/Tyr) Tyramine TYR TAAR1, TAAR2
Small: Trace amine (Phe/Tyr) octopamine Oct TAAR1
Small: Trace amine (Phe/Tyr) Synephrine Syn TAAR1
Small: Trace amine (Trp) Tryptamine TAAR1, various serotonin receptors
Small: Trace amine (Trp) N-methyltryptamine NMT TAAR1, various serotonin receptors
Lipid Anandamide AEA Cannabinoid receptors
Lipid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol 2-AG Cannabinoid receptors
Lipid 2-Arachidonyl glyceryl ether 2-AGE Cannabinoid receptors
Lipid N-Arachidonoyl dopamine NADA Cannabinoid receptors TRPV1
Lipid Virodhamine Cannabinoid receptors
Small: Purine Adenosine Ado Adenosine receptors
Small: Purine Adenosine triphosphate ATP P2Y receptors P2X receptors
Small: Purine Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide β-NAD P2Y receptors P2X receptors
Neuropeptides
CategoryNameAbbreviation Metabotropic Ionotropic
Bombesin-like peptides Bombesin BBR1-2-3
Bombesin-like peptide Gastrin releasing peptide GRP
Bombesin-like peptide Neuromedin B NMB Neuromedin B receptor
Bradykinins Bradykinin B1, B2
Calcitonin/CGRP family Calcitonin Calcitonin receptor
Calcitonin/CGRP family Calcitonin gene-related peptide CGRP CALCRL
Corticotropin-releasing factors Corticotropin-releasing hormone CRH CRHR1
Corticotropin-releasing factors Urocortin CRHR1
Galanins Galanin GALR1, GALR2, GALR3
Galanins Galanin-like peptide GALR1, GALR2, GALR3
Gastrins Gastrin Cholecystokinin B receptor
Gastrins Cholecystokinin CCK Cholecystokinin receptors
Granins Chromogranin A ChgA
Melanocortins Adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH ACTH receptor
Melanocortins Proopiomelanocortin POMC Melanocortin 4 receptor
Melanocortins Melanocyte-stimulating hormones MSH Melanocortin receptors
Neurohypophyseals Vasopressin AVP Vasopressin receptors
Neurohypophyseals Oxytocin OT Oxytocin receptor
Neurohypophyseals Neurophysin I
Neurohypophyseals Neurophysin II
Neurohypophyseals Copeptin
Neuromedins Neuromedin U NmU NmUR1, NmUR2
Neuropeptide B/W Neuropeptide B NPB NPBW1, NPBW2
Neuropeptide B/W Neuropeptide S NPS Neuropeptide S receptors
Neuropeptide Y Neuropeptide Y NY Neuropeptide Y receptors
Neuropeptide Y Pancreatic polypeptide PP
Neuropeptide Y Peptide YY PYY
Opioids Enkephalins δ-Opioid receptor
Opioids Dynorphins κ-Opioid receptor
Opioids Neoendorphins κ-Opioid receptor
Opioids Endorphins μ-Opioid receptors
Opioids Endomorphins μ-Opioid receptors
Opioids Morphine μ-Opioid receptors
Opioids Nociceptin/orphanin FQ N/OFQ Nociceptin receptors
Orexins Orexin A OX-A Orexin receptors
Orexins Orexin B OX-B Orexin receptors
Parathyroid hormone family Parathyroid hormone-related protein PTHrP
RFamides Kisspeptin KiSS GPR54
RFamides Neuropeptide FF NPFFNPFF1, NPFF2
RFamides Prolactin-releasing peptide PrRP PrRPR
RFamides Pyroglutamylated RFamide peptide QRFP GPR103
Secretins Secretin Secretin receptor
Secretins Motilin Motilin receptor
Secretins Glucagon Glucagon receptor
Secretins Glucagon-like peptide-1 GLP-1 Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor
Secretins Glucagon-like peptide-2 GLP-2 Glucagon-like peptide 2 receptor
Secretins Vasoactive intestinal peptide VIP Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors
Secretins Growth hormone–releasing hormone GHRH Growth hormone–releasing hormone receptor
Secretins Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide PACAP ADCYAP1R1
Somatostatins Somatostatin Somatostatin receptors
Tachykinins Neurokinin A
Tachykinins Neurokinin B
Tachykinins Substance P
Tachykinins Neuropeptide K
Other Agouti-related peptide AgRP Melanocortin receptor
Other N-Acetylaspartylglutamate NAAG Metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (mGluR3)
Other Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript CARTUnknown Gi/Go-coupled receptor [44]
Other Gonadotropin-releasing hormone GnRH GnRHR
Other Thyrotropin-releasing hormone TRH TRHR
Other Melanin-concentrating hormone MCH MCHR 1,2
Gasotransmitters
CategoryNameAbbreviation Metabotropic Ionotropic
Gaseous signaling molecule Nitric oxide NOSoluble guanylyl cyclase
Gaseous signaling molecule Carbon monoxide CO Heme bound to potassium channels
Gaseous signaling molecule Hydrogen sulfide H2S

Neurotransmitter systems

Neurons expressing certain types of neurotransmitters sometimes form distinct systems, where activation of the system affects large volumes of the brain, called volume transmission. Major neurotransmitter systems include the noradrenaline (norepinephrine) system, the dopamine system, the serotonin system, and the cholinergic system, among others. Trace amines have a modulatory effect on neurotransmission in monoamine pathways (i.e., dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin pathways) throughout the brain via signaling through trace amine-associated receptor 1. [45] [46] A brief comparison of these systems follows:

Neurotransmitter systems in the brain
SystemPathway origin and projectionsRegulated cognitive processes and behaviors
Noradrenaline system
[47] [48] [49] [50] [51] [52]
Noradrenergic pathways:
Dopamine system
[49] [50] [51] [53] [54] [55]
Dopaminergic pathways :
  • Hypothalamospinal projection
Histamine system
[50] [51] [56]
Histaminergic pathways:
Serotonin system
[47] [49] [50] [51] [57] [58] [59]
Serotonergic pathways :

Caudal nuclei (CN):
Raphe magnus, raphe pallidus, and raphe obscurus

  • Caudal projections

Rostral nuclei (RN):
Nucleus linearis, dorsal raphe, medial raphe, and raphe pontis

  • Rostral projections
Acetylcholine system
[47] [49] [50] [51] [60]
Cholinergic pathways:

Forebrain cholinergic nuclei (FCN):
Nucleus basalis of Meynert, medial septal nucleus, and diagonal band

  • Forebrain nuclei projections

Striatal tonically active cholinergic neurons (TAN)

Brainstem cholinergic nuclei (BCN):
Pedunculopontine nucleus, laterodorsal tegmentum, medial habenula, and
parabigeminal nucleus

  • Brainstem nuclei projections
Adrenaline system
[61] [62]
Adrenergic pathways:

Drug effects

Understanding the effects of drugs on neurotransmitters comprises a significant portion of research initiatives in the field of neuroscience. Most neuroscientists involved in this field of research believe that such efforts may further advance our understanding of the circuits responsible for various neurological diseases and disorders, as well as ways to effectively treat and someday possibly prevent or cure such illnesses. [63] [ medical citation needed ]

Drugs can influence behavior by altering neurotransmitter activity. For instance, drugs can decrease the rate of synthesis of neurotransmitters by affecting the synthetic enzyme(s) for that neurotransmitter. When neurotransmitter syntheses are blocked, the amount of neurotransmitters available for release becomes substantially lower, resulting in a decrease in neurotransmitter activity. Some drugs block or stimulate the release of specific neurotransmitters. Alternatively, drugs can prevent neurotransmitter storage in synaptic vesicles by causing the synaptic vesicle membranes to leak. Drugs that prevent a neurotransmitter from binding to its receptor are called receptor antagonists. For example, drugs used to treat patients with schizophrenia such as haloperidol, chlorpromazine, and clozapine are antagonists at receptors in the brain for dopamine. Other drugs act by binding to a receptor and mimicking the normal neurotransmitter. Such drugs are called receptor agonists. An example of a receptor agonist is morphine, an opiate that mimics effects of the endogenous neurotransmitter β-endorphin to relieve pain. Other drugs interfere with the deactivation of a neurotransmitter after it has been released, thereby prolonging the action of a neurotransmitter. This can be accomplished by blocking re-uptake or inhibiting degradative enzymes. Lastly, drugs can also prevent an action potential from occurring, blocking neuronal activity throughout the central and peripheral nervous system. Drugs such as tetrodotoxin that block neural activity are typically lethal.

Drugs targeting the neurotransmitter of major systems affect the whole system, which can explain the complexity of action of some drugs. Cocaine, for example, blocks the re-uptake of dopamine back into the presynaptic neuron, leaving the neurotransmitter molecules in the synaptic gap for an extended period of time. Since the dopamine remains in the synapse longer, the neurotransmitter continues to bind to the receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, eliciting a pleasurable emotional response. Physical addiction to cocaine may result from prolonged exposure to excess dopamine in the synapses, which leads to the downregulation of some post-synaptic receptors. After the effects of the drug wear off, an individual can become depressed due to decreased probability of the neurotransmitter binding to a receptor. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI), which blocks re-uptake of serotonin by the presynaptic cell which increases the amount of serotonin present at the synapse and furthermore allows it to remain there longer, providing potential for the effect of naturally released serotonin. [64] AMPT prevents the conversion of tyrosine to L-DOPA, the precursor to dopamine; reserpine prevents dopamine storage within vesicles; and deprenyl inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO)-B and thus increases dopamine levels.

Drug–neurotransmitter interactions [65]
DrugInteracts withReceptor interactionTypeEffects
Botulinum toxin (Botox) Acetylcholine AntagonistBlocks acetylcholine release in PNS

Prevents muscle contractions

Black widow spider venom Acetylcholine AgonistPromotes acetylcholine release in PNS

Stimulates muscle contractions

Neostigmine Acetylcholine Interferes with acetylcholinerase activity

Increases effects of ACh at receptors

Used to treat myasthenia gravis

Nicotine Acetylcholine Nicotinic (skeletal muscle)AgonistIncreases ACh activity

Increases attention

Reinforcing effects

d-tubocurarine Acetylcholine Nicotinic (skeletal muscle)AntagonistDecreases activity at receptor site
Curare Acetylcholine Nicotinic (skeletal muscle)AntagonistDecreases ACh activity

Prevents muscle contractions

Muscarine Acetylcholine Muscarinic (heart and smooth muscle)AgonistIncreases ACh activity

Toxic

Atropine Acetylcholine Muscarinic (heart and smooth muscle)AntagonistBlocks pupil constriction

Blocks saliva production

Scopolamine (hyoscine) Acetylcholine Muscarinic (heart and smooth muscle)AntagonistTreats motion sickness and postoperative nausea and vomiting
AMPTDopamine/norepinephrineInactivates tyrosine hydroxylase and inhibits dopamine production
Reserpine DopaminePrevents storage of dopamine and other monoamines in synaptic vesicles

Causes sedation and depression

Apomorphine Dopamine D2 receptor (presynaptic autoreceptors/postsynaptic receptors)Antagonist (low dose) / direct agonist (high dose)Low dose: blocks autoreceptors

High dose: stimulates postsynaptic receptors

Amphetamine Dopamine/norepinephrineIndirect agonistReleases dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin

Blocks reuptake [45] [46]

Methamphetamine Dopamine/norepinephrineReleases dopamine and noradrenaline

Blocks reuptake

Methylphenidate DopamineBlocks reuptake

Enhances attention and impulse control in ADHD

Cocaine DopamineIndirect agonistBlocks reuptake into presynapse

Blocks voltage-dependent sodium channels

Can be used as a topical anesthetic (eye drops)

DeprenylDopamineAgonistInhibits MAO-B

Prevents destruction of dopamine

Chlorpromazine Dopamine D2 Receptors AntagonistBlocks D2 receptors

Alleviates hallucinations

MPTP DopamineResults in Parkinson-like symptoms
PCPASerotonin (5-HT)AntagonistDisrupts serotonin synthesis by blocking the activity of tryptophan hydroxylase
Ondansetron Serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT3 receptors AntagonistReduces side effects of chemotherapy and radiation

Reduces nausea and vomiting

Buspirone Serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT1A receptors Partial agonistTreats symptoms of anxiety and depression
Fluoxetine Serotonin (5-HT)supports 5-HT reuptakeSSRIInhibits reuptake of serotonin

Treats depression, some anxiety disorders, and OCD [64] Common examples: Prozac and Sarafem

Fenfluramine Serotonin (5-HT)Causes release of serotonin

Inhibits reuptake of serotonin

Used as an appetite suppressant

Lysergic acid diethylamide Serotonin (5-HT)Post-synaptic 5-HT2A receptorsDirect agonistProduces visual perception distortions

Stimulates 5-HT2A receptors in forebrain

Methylenedioxy­methamphetamine (MDMA)Serotonin (5-HT)/norepinphrineStimulates release of serotonin and norepinephrine and inhibits the reuptake

Causes excitatory and hallucinogenic effects

Strychnine GlycineAntagonistCauses severe muscle spasms [66]
Diphenhydramine HistamineCrosses blood–brain barrier to cause drowsiness
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)EndocannabinoidsCannabinoid (CB) receptorsAgonistProduces analgesia and sedation

Increases appetite

Cognitive effects

RimonabantEndocannabinoidsCannabinoid (CB) receptorsAntagonistSuppresses appetite

Used in smoking cessation

MAFPEndocannabinoidsInhibits FAAH

Used in research to increase cannabinoid system activity

AM1172EndocannabinoidsBlocks cannabinoid reuptake

Used in research to increase cannabinoid system activity

Anandamide (endogenous)Cannabinoid (CB) receptors; 5-HT3 receptorsReduce nausea and vomiting
Caffeine AdenosineAdenosine receptorsAntagonistBlocks adenosine receptors

Increases wakefulness

PCP Glutamate NMDA receptor Indirect antagonistBlocks PCP binding site

Prevents calcium ions from entering neurons

Impairs learning

AP5 Glutamate NMDA receptor AntagonistBlocks glutamate binding site on NMDA receptor

Impairs synaptic plasticity and certain forms of learning

Ketamine Glutamate NMDA receptor AntagonistUsed as anesthesia

Induces trance-like state, helps with pain relief and sedation

NMDA Glutamate NMDA receptor AgonistUsed in research to study NMDA receptor

Ionotropic receptor

AMPA Glutamate AMPA receptor AgonistUsed in research to study AMPA receptor

Ionotropic receptor

AllyglycineGABAInhibits GABA synthesis

Causes seizures

Muscimol GABA GABA receptor AgonistCauses sedation
Bicuculine GABAGABA receptorAntagonistCauses Seizures
Benzodiazepines GABA GABAA receptor Indirect agonistsAnxiolytic, sedation, memory impairment, muscle relaxation
Barbiturates GABA GABAA receptor Indirect agonistsSedation, memory impairment, muscle relaxation
Alcohol GABA GABA receptor Indirect agonistSedation, memory impairment, muscle relaxation
Picrotoxin GABA GABAA receptor Indirect antagonistHigh doses cause seizures
Tiagabine GABAAntagonistGABA transporter antagonist

Increase availability of GABA

Reduces the likelihood of seizures

Moclobemide NorepinephrineAgonistBlocks MAO-A to treat depression
Idazoxan Norepinephrinealpha-2 adrenergic autoreceptorsAgonistBlocks alpha-2 autoreceptors

Used to study norepinephrine system

Fusaric acidNorepinephrineInhibits activity of dopamine beta-hydroxylase which blocks the production of norepinephrine

Used to study norepinephrine system without affecting dopamine system

Opiates (opium, morphine, heroin, and oxycodone)OpioidsOpioid receptor [67] AgonistsAnalgesia, sedation, and reinforcing effects
Naloxone OpioidsAntagonistReverses opiate intoxication or overdose symptoms (i.e. problems with breathing)

Agonists

An agonist is a chemical capable of binding to a receptor, such as a neurotransmitter receptor, and initiating the same reaction typically produced by the binding of the endogenous substance. [68] An agonist of a neurotransmitter will thus initiate the same receptor response as the transmitter. In neurons, an agonist drug may activate neurotransmitter receptors either directly or indirectly. Direct-binding agonists can be further characterized as full agonists, partial agonists, inverse agonists. [69] [70]

Direct agonists act similar to a neurotransmitter by binding directly to its associated receptor site(s), which may be located on the presynaptic neuron or postsynaptic neuron, or both. [71] Typically, neurotransmitter receptors are located on the postsynaptic neuron, while neurotransmitter autoreceptors are located on the presynaptic neuron, as is the case for monoamine neurotransmitters; [45] in some cases, a neurotransmitter utilizes retrograde neurotransmission, a type of feedback signaling in neurons where the neurotransmitter is released postsynaptically and binds to target receptors located on the presynaptic neuron. [72] [note 1] Nicotine, a compound found in tobacco, is a direct agonist of most nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, mainly located in cholinergic neurons. [67] Opiates, such as morphine, heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, and methadone, are μ-opioid receptor agonists; this action mediates their euphoriant and pain relieving properties. [67]

Indirect agonists increase the binding of neurotransmitters at their target receptors by stimulating the release or preventing the reuptake of neurotransmitters. [71] Some indirect agonists trigger neurotransmitter release and prevent neurotransmitter reuptake. Amphetamine, for example, is an indirect agonist of postsynaptic dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin receptors in each their respective neurons; [45] [46] it produces both neurotransmitter release into the presynaptic neuron and subsequently the synaptic cleft and prevents their reuptake from the synaptic cleft by activating TAAR1, a presynaptic G protein-coupled receptor, and binding to a site on VMAT2, a type of monoamine transporter located on synaptic vesicles within monoamine neurons. [45] [46]

Antagonists

An antagonist is a chemical that acts within the body to reduce the physiological activity of another chemical substance (such as an opiate); especially one that opposes the action on the nervous system of a drug or a substance occurring naturally in the body by combining with and blocking its nervous receptor. [73]

There are two main types of antagonist: direct-acting Antagonist and indirect-acting Antagonists:

  1. Direct-acting antagonist- which takes up space present on receptors which are otherwise taken up by neurotransmitters themselves. This results in neurotransmitters being blocked from binding to the receptors. An example of one of the most common is called Atropine.
  2. Indirect-acting antagonist- drugs that inhibit the release/production of neurotransmitters (e.g., Reserpine).

Drug antagonists

An antagonist drug is one that attaches (or binds) to a site called a receptor without activating that receptor to produce a biological response. It is therefore said to have no intrinsic activity. An antagonist may also be called a receptor "blocker" because they block the effect of an agonist at the site. The pharmacological effects of an antagonist, therefore, result in preventing the corresponding receptor site's agonists (e.g., drugs, hormones, neurotransmitters) from binding to and activating it. Antagonists may be "competitive" or "irreversible".

A competitive antagonist competes with an agonist for binding to the receptor. As the concentration of antagonist increases, the binding of the agonist is progressively inhibited, resulting in a decrease in the physiological response. High concentration of an antagonist can completely inhibit the response. This inhibition can be reversed, however, by an increase of the concentration of the agonist, since the agonist and antagonist compete for binding to the receptor. Competitive antagonists, therefore, can be characterized as shifting the dose–response relationship for the agonist to the right. In the presence of a competitive antagonist, it takes an increased concentration of the agonist to produce the same response observed in the absence of the antagonist.

An irreversible antagonist binds so strongly to the receptor as to render the receptor unavailable for binding to the agonist. Irreversible antagonists may even form covalent chemical bonds with the receptor. In either case, if the concentration of the irreversible antagonist is high enough, the number of unbound receptors remaining for agonist binding may be so low that even high concentrations of the agonist do not produce the maximum biological response. [74]

Precursors

While intake of neurotransmitter precursors does increase neurotransmitter synthesis, evidence is mixed as to whether neurotransmitter release and postsynaptic receptor firing is increased. Even with increased neurotransmitter release, it is unclear whether this will result in a long-term increase in neurotransmitter signal strength, since the nervous system can adapt to changes such as increased neurotransmitter synthesis and may therefore maintain constant firing. [78] [ unreliable medical source? ] Some neurotransmitters may have a role in depression and there is some evidence to suggest that intake of precursors of these neurotransmitters may be useful in the treatment of mild and moderate depression. [78] [ unreliable medical source? ] [79]

Catecholamine and trace amine precursors

L-DOPA, a precursor of dopamine that crosses the blood–brain barrier, is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. For depressed patients where low activity of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine is implicated, there is only little evidence for benefit of neurotransmitter precursor administration. L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine are both precursors for dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These conversions require vitamin B6, vitamin C, and S-adenosylmethionine. A few studies suggest potential antidepressant effects of L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine, but there is much room for further research in this area. [78] [ unreliable medical source? ]

Serotonin precursors

Administration of L-tryptophan, a precursor for serotonin, is seen to double the production of serotonin in the brain. It is significantly more effective than a placebo in the treatment of mild and moderate depression. [78] [ unreliable medical source? ] This conversion requires vitamin C. [30] 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), also a precursor for serotonin, is more effective than a placebo. [78] [ unreliable medical source? ]

Diseases and disorders

Diseases and disorders may also affect specific neurotransmitter systems. The following are disorders involved in either an increase, decrease, or imbalance of certain neurotransmitters.

Dopamine

For example, problems in producing dopamine (mainly in the substantia nigra) can result in Parkinson's disease, a disorder that affects a person's ability to move as they want to, resulting in stiffness, tremors or shaking, and other symptoms. Some studies suggest that having too little or too much dopamine or problems using dopamine in the thinking and feeling regions of the brain may play a role in disorders like schizophrenia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Dopamine is also involved in addiction and drug use, as most recreational drugs cause an influx of dopamine in the brain (especially opioid and methamphetamines) that produces a pleasurable feeling, which is why users constantly crave drugs.

Serotonin

Similarly, after some research suggested that drugs that block the recycling, or reuptake, of serotonin seemed to help some people diagnosed with depression, it was theorized that people with depression might have lower-than-normal serotonin levels. Though widely popularized, this theory was not borne out in subsequent research. [80] Therefore, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to increase the amounts of serotonin in synapses.

Glutamate

CAPON binds nitric oxide synthase, regulating NMDA receptor-mediated glutamate neurotransmission CAPON Binds Nitric Oxide Synthase, Regulating NMDA Receptor-Mediated Glutamate Neurotransmission.png
CAPON binds nitric oxide synthase, regulating NMDA receptor–mediated glutamate neurotransmission

Furthermore, problems with producing or using glutamate have been suggestively and tentatively linked to many mental disorders, including autism, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, and depression. [81] Having too much glutamate has been linked to neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). [82]

Neurotransmitter imbalance

Generally, there are no scientifically established "norms" for appropriate levels or "balances" of different neurotransmitters. In most cases, it is practically impossible to measure neurotransmitter levels in the brain or body at any given moment. Neurotransmitters regulate each other's release, and weak consistent imbalances in this mutual regulation were linked to temperament in healthy people. [83] [84] [85] [86] [87] However, significant imbalances or disruptions in neurotransmitter systems are associated with various diseases and mental disorders, including Parkinson's disease, depression, insomnia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, memory loss, dramatic weight changes, and addictions. Some of these conditions are also related to neurotransmitter switching, a phenomenon where neurons change the type of neurotransmitters they release. [88] [89] [90] Chronic physical or emotional stress can be a contributor to neurotransmitter system changes. Genetics also plays a role in neurotransmitter activities.

Apart from recreational use, medications that directly and indirectly interact with one or more transmitter or its receptor are commonly prescribed for psychiatric and psychological issues. Notably, drugs interacting with serotonin and norepinephrine are prescribed to patients with problems such as depression and anxiety—though the notion that there is much solid medical evidence to support such interventions has been widely criticized. [91] Studies shown that dopamine imbalance has an influence on multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders. [92]

See also

Notes

  1. In the central nervous system, anandamide other endocannabinoids utilize retrograde neurotransmission, since their release is postsynaptic, while their target receptor, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), is presynaptic. [72] The cannabis plant contains Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is a direct agonist at CB1. [72]
  1. GABA is a non-proteinogenic amino acid

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neuron</span> Electrically excitable cell found in the nervous system of animals

A neuron, neurone, or nerve cell is an excitable cell that fires electric signals called action potentials across a neural network in the nervous system. They are located in the brain and spinal cord and help to receive and conduct impulses. Neurons communicate with other cells via synapses, which are specialized connections that commonly use minute amounts of chemical neurotransmitters to pass the electric signal from the presynaptic neuron to the target cell through the synaptic gap.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chemical synapse</span> Biological junctions through which neurons signals can be sent

Chemical synapses are biological junctions through which neurons' signals can be sent to each other and to non-neuronal cells such as those in muscles or glands. Chemical synapses allow neurons to form circuits within the central nervous system. They are crucial to the biological computations that underlie perception and thought. They allow the nervous system to connect to and control other systems of the body.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psychopharmacology</span> Study of the effects of psychoactive drugs

Psychopharmacology is the scientific study of the effects drugs have on mood, sensation, thinking, behavior, judgment and evaluation, and memory. It is distinguished from neuropsychopharmacology, which emphasizes the correlation between drug-induced changes in the functioning of cells in the nervous system and changes in consciousness and behavior.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monoamine transporter</span> Proteins that function as integral plasma-membrane transporters

Monoamine transporters (MATs) are proteins that function as integral plasma-membrane transporters to regulate concentrations of extracellular monoamine neurotransmitters. The three major classes are serotonin transporters (SERTs), dopamine transporters (DATs), and norepinephrine transporters (NETs) and are responsible for the reuptake of their associated amine neurotransmitters. MATs are located just outside the synaptic cleft (peri-synaptically), transporting monoamine transmitter overflow from the synaptic cleft back to the cytoplasm of the pre-synaptic neuron. MAT regulation generally occurs through protein phosphorylation and post-translational modification. Due to their significance in neuronal signaling, MATs are commonly associated with drugs used to treat mental disorders as well as recreational drugs. Compounds targeting MATs range from medications such as the wide variety of tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac) to stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine in its many forms and derivatives methamphetamine (Desoxyn) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Furthermore, drugs such as MDMA and natural alkaloids such as cocaine exert their effects in part by their interaction with MATs, by blocking the transporters from mopping up dopamine, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters from the synapse.

An inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) is a kind of synaptic potential that makes a postsynaptic neuron less likely to generate an action potential. The opposite of an inhibitory postsynaptic potential is an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP), which is a synaptic potential that makes a postsynaptic neuron more likely to generate an action potential. IPSPs can take place at all chemical synapses, which use the secretion of neurotransmitters to create cell-to-cell signalling. EPSPs and IPSPs compete with each other at numerous synapses of a neuron. This determines whether an action potential occurring at the presynaptic terminal produces an action potential at the postsynaptic membrane. Some common neurotransmitters involved in IPSPs are GABA and glycine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Excitatory postsynaptic potential</span> Process causing temporary increase in postsynaptic potential

In neuroscience, an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) is a postsynaptic potential that makes the postsynaptic neuron more likely to fire an action potential. This temporary depolarization of postsynaptic membrane potential, caused by the flow of positively charged ions into the postsynaptic cell, is a result of opening ligand-gated ion channels. These are the opposite of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs), which usually result from the flow of negative ions into the cell or positive ions out of the cell. EPSPs can also result from a decrease in outgoing positive charges, while IPSPs are sometimes caused by an increase in positive charge outflow. The flow of ions that causes an EPSP is an excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC).

In neurophysiology, long-term depression (LTD) is an activity-dependent reduction in the efficacy of neuronal synapses lasting hours or longer following a long patterned stimulus. LTD occurs in many areas of the CNS with varying mechanisms depending upon brain region and developmental progress.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Excitatory synapse</span> Sort of synapse

An excitatory synapse is a synapse in which an action potential in a presynaptic neuron increases the probability of an action potential occurring in a postsynaptic cell. Neurons form networks through which nerve impulses travels, each neuron often making numerous connections with other cells of neurons. These electrical signals may be excitatory or inhibitory, and, if the total of excitatory influences exceeds that of the inhibitory influences, the neuron will generate a new action potential at its axon hillock, thus transmitting the information to yet another cell.

Neuropharmacology is the study of how drugs affect function in the nervous system, and the neural mechanisms through which they influence behavior. There are two main branches of neuropharmacology: behavioral and molecular. Behavioral neuropharmacology focuses on the study of how drugs affect human behavior (neuropsychopharmacology), including the study of how drug dependence and addiction affect the human brain. Molecular neuropharmacology involves the study of neurons and their neurochemical interactions, with the overall goal of developing drugs that have beneficial effects on neurological function. Both of these fields are closely connected, since both are concerned with the interactions of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, neurohormones, neuromodulators, enzymes, second messengers, co-transporters, ion channels, and receptor proteins in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Studying these interactions, researchers are developing drugs to treat many different neurological disorders, including pain, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, psychological disorders, addiction, and many others.

Postsynaptic potentials are changes in the membrane potential of the postsynaptic terminal of a chemical synapse. Postsynaptic potentials are graded potentials, and should not be confused with action potentials although their function is to initiate or inhibit action potentials. Postsynaptic potentials occur when the presynaptic neuron releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic terminal, which may be a neuron, or a muscle cell in the case of a neuromuscular junction. These are collectively referred to as postsynaptic receptors, since they are located on the membrane of the postsynaptic cell. Postsynaptic potentials are important mechanisms by which neurons communicate with each other allowing for information processing, learning, memory formation, and complex behavior within the nervous system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Norepinephrine transporter</span> Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens

The norepinephrine transporter (NET), also known as noradrenaline transporter (NAT), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the solute carrier family 6 member 2 (SLC6A2) gene.

An autoreceptor is a type of receptor located in the membranes of nerve cells. It serves as part of a negative feedback loop in signal transduction. It is only sensitive to the neurotransmitters or hormones released by the neuron on which the autoreceptor sits. Similarly, a heteroreceptor is sensitive to neurotransmitters and hormones that are not released by the cell on which it sits. A given receptor can act as either an autoreceptor or a heteroreceptor, depending upon the type of transmitter released by the cell on which it is embedded.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neurotransmission</span> Impulse transmission between neurons

Neurotransmission is the process by which signaling molecules called neurotransmitters are released by the axon terminal of a neuron, and bind to and react with the receptors on the dendrites of another neuron a short distance away. A similar process occurs in retrograde neurotransmission, where the dendrites of the postsynaptic neuron release retrograde neurotransmitters that signal through receptors that are located on the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron, mainly at GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neuromodulation</span> Regulation of neurons by neurotransmitters

Neuromodulation is the physiological process by which a given neuron uses one or more chemicals to regulate diverse populations of neurons. Neuromodulators typically bind to metabotropic, G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) to initiate a second messenger signaling cascade that induces a broad, long-lasting signal. This modulation can last for hundreds of milliseconds to several minutes. Some of the effects of neuromodulators include altering intrinsic firing activity, increasing or decreasing voltage-dependent currents, altering synaptic efficacy, increasing bursting activity and reconfiguring synaptic connectivity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Synapse</span> Structure connecting neurons in the nervous system

In the nervous system, a synapse is a structure that allows a neuron to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron or a target effector cell. Synapses can be classified as either chemical or electrical, depending on the mechanism of signal transmission between neurons. In the case of electrical synapses, neurons are coupled bidirectionally with each other through gap junctions and have a connected cytoplasmic milieu. These types of synapses are known to produce synchronous network activity in the brain, but can also result in complicated, chaotic network level dynamics. Therefore, signal directionality cannot always be defined across electrical synapses.

Neurotransmitter transporters are a class of membrane transport proteins that span the cellular membranes of neurons. Their primary function is to carry neurotransmitters across these membranes and to direct their further transport to specific intracellular locations. There are more than twenty types of neurotransmitter transporters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benzofuranylpropylaminopentane</span> Chemical compound

(–)-Benzofuranylpropylaminopentane is an experimental drug related to selegiline which acts as a monoaminergic activity enhancer (MAE). It is orally active in animals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TAAR1</span> Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens

Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) is a trace amine-associated receptor (TAAR) protein that in humans is encoded by the TAAR1 gene. TAAR1 is an intracellular amine-activated Gs-coupled and Gq-coupled G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is primarily expressed in several peripheral organs and cells, astrocytes, and in the intracellular milieu within the presynaptic plasma membrane of monoamine neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). TAAR1 was discovered in 2001 by two independent groups of investigators, Borowski et al. and Bunzow et al. TAAR1 is one of six functional human trace amine-associated receptors, which are so named for their ability to bind endogenous amines that occur in tissues at trace concentrations. TAAR1 plays a significant role in regulating neurotransmission in dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin neurons in the CNS; it also affects immune system and neuroimmune system function through different mechanisms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Axon terminal</span> Nerve fiber part

Axon terminals are distal terminations of the branches of an axon. An axon, also called a nerve fiber, is a long, slender projection of a nerve cell that conducts electrical impulses called action potentials away from the neuron's cell body to transmit those impulses to other neurons, muscle cells, or glands. Most presynaptic terminals in the central nervous system are formed along the axons, not at their ends.

Cellular neuroscience is a branch of neuroscience concerned with the study of neurons at a cellular level. This includes morphology and physiological properties of single neurons. Several techniques such as intracellular recording, patch-clamp, and voltage-clamp technique, pharmacology, confocal imaging, molecular biology, two photon laser scanning microscopy and Ca2+ imaging have been used to study activity at the cellular level. Cellular neuroscience examines the various types of neurons, the functions of different neurons, the influence of neurons upon each other, and how neurons work together.

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  48. Malenka RC, Nestler EJ, Hyman SE (2009). "Chapter 6: Widely Projecting Systems: Monoamines, Acetylcholine, and Orexin". In Sydor A, Brown RY (eds.). Molecular Neuropharmacology: A Foundation for Clinical Neuroscience (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Medical. pp. 145, 156–157. ISBN   9780071481274. Descending NE fibers modulate afferent pain signals. ... The locus ceruleus (LC), which is located on the floor of the fourth ventricle in the rostral pons, contains more than 50% of all noradrenergic neurons in the brain; it innervates both the forebrain (eg, it provides virtually all the NE to the cerebral cortex) and regions of the brainstem and spinal cord. ... The other noradrenergic neurons in the brain occur in loose collections of cells in the brainstem, including the lateral tegmental regions. These neurons project largely within the brainstem and spinal cord. NE, along with 5HT, ACh, histamine, and orexin, is a critical regulator of the sleep-wake cycle and of levels of arousal. ... LC firing may also increase anxiety ...Stimulation of β-adrenergic receptors in the amygdala results in enhanced memory for stimuli encoded under strong negative emotion ... Epinephrine occurs in only a small number of central neurons, all located in the medulla. Epinephrine is involved in visceral functions, such as control of respiration.
  49. 1 2 3 4 Rang HP (2003). Pharmacology. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. pp. 474 for noradrenaline system, page 476 for dopamine system, page 480 for serotonin system and page 483 for cholinergic system. ISBN   978-0-443-07145-4.
  50. 1 2 3 4 5 Iwańczuk W, Guźniczak P (2015). "Neurophysiological foundations of sleep, arousal, awareness and consciousness phenomena. Part 1". Anaesthesiology Intensive Therapy. 47 (2): 162–7. doi: 10.5603/AIT.2015.0015 . PMID   25940332. The ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) is responsible for a sustained wakefulness state. ... The thalamic projection is dominated by cholinergic neurons originating from the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus of pons and midbrain (PPT) and laterodorsal tegmental nucleus of pons and midbrain (LDT) nuclei [17, 18]. The hypothalamic projection involves noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus (LC) and serotoninergic neurons of the dorsal and median raphe nuclei (DR), which pass through the lateral hypothalamus and reach axons of the histaminergic tubero-mamillary nucleus (TMN), together forming a pathway extending into the forebrain, cortex and hippocampus. Cortical arousal also takes advantage of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra (SN), ventral tegmenti area (VTA) and the periaqueductal grey area (PAG). Fewer cholinergic neurons of the pons and midbrain send projections to the forebrain along the ventral pathway, bypassing the thalamus [19, 20].
  51. 1 2 3 4 5 Malenka RC, Nestler EJ, Hyman SE (2009). "Chapter 12: Sleep and Arousal". In Sydor A, Brown RY (eds.). Molecular Neuropharmacology: A Foundation for Clinical Neuroscience (2nd ed.). New York, USA: McGraw-Hill Medical. p. 295. ISBN   9780071481274. The ARAS is a complex structure consisting of several different circuits including the four monoaminergic pathways ... The norepinephrine pathway originates from the locus ceruleus (LC) and related brainstem nuclei; the serotonergic neurons originate from the raphe nuclei within the brainstem as well; the dopaminergic neurons originate in ventral tegmental area (VTA); and the histaminergic pathway originates from neurons in the tuberomammillary nucleus (TMN) of the posterior hypothalamus. As discussed in Chapter 6, these neurons project widely throughout the brain from restricted collections of cell bodies. Norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and histamine have complex modulatory functions and, in general, promote wakefulness. The PT in the brain stem is also an important component of the ARAS. Activity of PT cholinergic neurons (REM-on cells) promotes REM sleep. During waking, REM-on cells are inhibited by a subset of ARAS norepinephrine and serotonin neurons called REM-off cells.
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  53. Malenka RC, Nestler EJ, Hyman SE (2009). "Chapter 6: Widely Projecting Systems: Monoamines, Acetylcholine, and Orexin". In Sydor A, Brown RY (eds.). Molecular Neuropharmacology: A Foundation for Clinical Neuroscience (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Medical. pp. 147–148, 154–157. ISBN   9780071481274. Neurons from the SNc densely innervate the dorsal striatum where they play a critical role in the learning and execution of motor programs. Neurons from the VTA innervate the ventral striatum (nucleus accumbens), olfactory bulb, amygdala, hippocampus, orbital and medial prefrontal cortex, and cingulate cortex. VTA DA neurons play a critical role in motivation, reward-related behavior, attention, and multiple forms of memory. ... Thus, acting in diverse terminal fields, dopamine confers motivational salience ("wanting") on the reward itself or associated cues (nucleus accumbens shell region), updates the value placed on different goals in light of this new experience (orbital prefrontal cortex), helps consolidate multiple forms of memory (amygdala and hippocampus), and encodes new motor programs that will facilitate obtaining this reward in the future (nucleus accumbens core region and dorsal striatum). ... DA has multiple actions in the prefrontal cortex. It promotes the "cognitive control" of behavior: the selection and successful monitoring of behavior to facilitate attainment of chosen goals. Aspects of cognitive control in which DA plays a role include working memory, the ability to hold information "on line" in order to guide actions, suppression of prepotent behaviors that compete with goal-directed actions, and control of attention and thus the ability to overcome distractions. ... Noradrenergic projections from the LC thus interact with dopaminergic projections from the VTA to regulate cognitive control. ...
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    Figure 3: The ventral striatum and self-administration of amphetamine
  56. Malenka RC, Nestler EJ, Hyman SE (2009). "Chapter 6: Widely Projecting Systems: Monoamines, Acetylcholine, and Orexin". In Sydor A, Brown RY (eds.). Molecular Neuropharmacology: A Foundation for Clinical Neuroscience (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Medical. pp. 175–176. ISBN   9780071481274. Within the brain, histamine is synthesized exclusively by neurons with their cell bodies in the tuberomammillary nucleus (TMN) that lies within the posterior hypothalamus. There are approximately 64000 histaminergic neurons per side in humans. These cells project throughout the brain and spinal cord. Areas that receive especially dense projections include the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, neostriatum, nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and hypothalamus.  ... While the best characterized function of the histamine system in the brain is regulation of sleep and arousal, histamine is also involved in learning and memory ...It also appears that histamine is involved in the regulation of feeding and energy balance.
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