Major Neurotransmitters and their Functions
Acetylcholine (ACh)
Distributed widely throughout the central nervous system, where it is involved in
arousal, attention, memory, motivation, and movement. Involved in muscle action
through presence at neuromuscular junctions (specialized type of synapse where neurons
connect to muscle cells). Degeneration of neurons that produce ACh have been
linked to Alzheimer’s disease.Too much can lead to spasms and tremors; too little, to
paralysis or torpor.
Dopamine
Involved in a wide variety of behaviors and emotions, including pleasure. Implicated
in schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease.
Serotonin
Involved in the regulation of sleep, dreaming, mood, eating, pain, and aggressive
behavior. Implicated in depression.
Norepinephrine
Affects arousal, wakefulness, learning, memory, and mood.
Endorphins
Naturally occurring compounds that have morphine-like qualities;
Provides relief from pain and feelings of pleasure and well-being by preventing the conduction of pain impulses in the CNS
Endorphins are released during strenuous exercise. May be responsible for “runner’s high.”
Glutamate
Active in areas of the brain involved in learning, though and emotion
Involved in long-term memory and the perception of pain.
GABA
Facilitates neural inhibition in the central nervous system (Too much action potential)
A largely inhibitory neurotransmitter distributed widely throughout the central
(Gamma aminobutyric acid)
nervous system. Implicated in sleep and eating disorders. Low levels of GABA have
also been linked to extreme anxiety.
Glycine
Principally responsible for inhibition in the spinal cord and lower brain centers.
