Unit 3 - Quiz 7 - Neurotransmitters

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

A major inhibitory neurotransmitter, most distributed. - Important to regulate anxiety Undersupply linked to seizures, tremors, and insomnia. Xanax and Valium work by increasing production Alcohol makes people feel more relaxed and less inhibited by increasing this neurotransmitter.

Norepinephrine

Same chemical as the hormone noradrenaline. Increases mental arousal and alertness as well as psychical arousal. Increases heart rate and blood pressure Low levels cause ADHD Important for vigilance, a heightened sensitivity to what is going on around you.

Glutamate

The predominant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Used by more neurons than any other neurotransmitter. It may be the root of all learning. Synapses for this NT are found in the cereal cortex and hippocampus

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter that is found in all motor neurons. Important for learning, memory, and general intellectual functioning. Diminished levels can cause Alzheimer's disease

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that regulates motor behavior, motivation, pleasure, and emotional arousal A lack of causes Parkinson's disease while access causes Schizophrenia Addictive drugs may act as an agonist of this neurotransmitter - Cocaine blocks the reuptake of this neurotransmitter.

Endorphins

Elevates mood and reduces pain. Allows humans to preform better when in pain. Responsible for the "runner high". Morphine is an agonist of this chemical and related to positive effects of acupuncture.

Epinephrine

It is the same chemical as the hormone adrenaline. Involved in anxiety, fear, and emotional arousal. Increases Automatic NS activity - the "fight or flight" effect.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitters involved in regulating mood, sleep, eating, arousal. A decrease in levels associated with depression. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) increase the duration this chemical spends in the synapse by blocking the reuptake process.