Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFunctionsAssociated ConditionsSymptoms of ImbalanceHormones and Neurotransmitters
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Functions
Associated Conditions
Symptoms of Imbalance
Hormones and Neurotransmitters
Common neurotransmitters includeserotonin,epinephrine,dopamine,acetylcholine, andgamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA).
Predominant Neurotransmitters and Their Functions
Neurotransmitters are often described as excitatory or inhibitory because they can activate or inhibit specific actions of their target cell.Each neurotransmitter can have various effects on different target cells—some can be inhibitory, and some can be excitatory.
At least 100 neurotransmitters have been identified in the body.A few of these neurotransmitters are particularly well understood in the context of health and disease, and many of their actions can be modified with medication.
Neurotransmitters initiate their action when they bind to a receptor on their target cell. A receptor is a small protein that can attach to a specific chemical or hormone in the body.
Receptors that can bind to neurotransmitters are usually located on the surface of a neuron or a muscle. When a receptor attaches to a neurotransmitter, certain cell functions are initiated or inhibited for a limited time.
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
These fast-acting neurotransmitters adjust blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and digestion. Your body’s release and response toepinephrine(also called adrenaline) usually increases during periods of excitement, anxiety, or fear.
Norepinephrine(also called noradrenaline) has effects similar to epinephrine but often works a little slower, and the effects last a little longer.
Acetylcholine
Acetylcholineplays a role in memory and movement. This neurotransmitter is released from motor neurons (nerves that power muscles) before binding to muscle cells to stimulate movement.Interestingly,during the dreaming stage of sleep, muscle movement is inhibited, which prevents you from moving and “acting out” your dreams.
Serotonin
Serotoninworks with other neurotransmitters to mediate mood, sleep, appetite, digestion, immunity, and more.
Dopamine
Dopamineis involved in regulating fluid muscle movement. This neurotransmitter also plays a role in motivation.Addictive behaviors are associated with a craving for dopamine.
Experiences that cause the body to release dopamine include being praised, winning something, or eating something that tastes good.
Serotonin vs. Dopamine: What Are the Differences?
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
Often described as an inhibitory neurotransmitter,GABAinhibits the activation of certain neurons. This neurotransmitter prevents brain damage and is also involved in relaxation and sleep.Someantiepileptic medicationsmay increase the body’s response to GABA.
DisruptionDisorders associated with neurotransmitter disruption can be due to high or low levels, but some diseases occur with normal neurotransmitter levels and abnormal responsiveness, such as high or low receptor activity.
Disruption
Disorders associated with neurotransmitter disruption can be due to high or low levels, but some diseases occur with normal neurotransmitter levels and abnormal responsiveness, such as high or low receptor activity.
Neurotransmitters and Associated Conditions
Several of the commonly defined neurotransmitters are associated with medical disorders and diseases. Treatment is often focused on balancing the neurotransmitter disruption, which can help alleviate symptoms.
Parkinson’s Disease
Depression
Schizophrenia
Myasthenia Gravis
Serotonin Syndrome
Addiction
Neurotransmitter DysfunctionMany medical and psychiatric conditions involve neurotransmitter dysfunction. Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia, is associated with a decline in acetylcholine activity in thehippocampus(an area of the brain that’s involved in memory and emotions).Anxiety disorders,insomnia,andfibromyalgiaare associated with disruptions in serotonin activity.
Neurotransmitter Dysfunction
Many medical and psychiatric conditions involve neurotransmitter dysfunction. Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia, is associated with a decline in acetylcholine activity in thehippocampus(an area of the brain that’s involved in memory and emotions).Anxiety disorders,insomnia,andfibromyalgiaare associated with disruptions in serotonin activity.
Symptoms of Neurotransmitter Imbalance
Neurotransmitters regulate, maintain, and adjust your mood, memory, actions, and survival. Temporary or persistent neurotransmitter imbalance can cause a range of effects.
Symptoms of neurotransmitter imbalance include:
Neurotransmitters and hormones are types of chemical messengers. Many of the body’s hormones and neurotransmitters activate or inhibit each other, and they work together in a tightly controlled manner.
Some similarities and differences include:
Neurotransmitters work together with hormones to regulate different functions. For example, epinephrine reduces inflammation, serotonin helps keep your body’s immune system functioning, andcortisol(a hormone) suppresses your immune system.This balance keeps you healthy.
Summary
Neurotransmitters are small molecules that regulate the nervous system. Your body is always balancing neurotransmitter action to help you survive—and any imbalance can cause symptoms or disease. There are many neurotransmitters in the body. Several are associated with illnesses and can be modified with medication to control symptoms.
Sometimes neurotransmitter activity changes quickly and briefly in response to emotions and actions, such as exercise and meditation. This is a completely healthy and normal way that your neurotransmitters adapt to the changes in your body.
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