What are the functions and effects of the different kinds of neurotransmitter?

Answer 1

- acetylcholine - stimulates motility (smooth muscle), induces long-term potentiation (stores long term memory) in the hippocampus, induces muscle contraction (skeletal muscle); main parasympathetic nervous system neurotransmitter (relaxation NT); broken down by acetylcholinesterase (can build up via acetylcholinesterase inhibitors - such as piracetam, aniracetam...and, in extreme cases, nerve gases, such as sarin, toman, VX, etc.)

- GABA - inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces muscle tension and anxiety; function enhanced by ethanol, benzodiazepines, etc.

- glycine - inhibitory peptide NT; reduces muscle tension; is responsible for sleep paralysis; blocked by strychnine

- dopamine - monoamine, catecholamine NT; stimulates mesolimbic reward circuit; used to guide goal-oriented behavior; inhibits and regulates motor control (movement); aid memory recall; is deficient in attention deficit disorders; triggered by most stimulants, cocaine, methylphenidate, etc.

- norepinephrine - monoamine, catecholamine NT; induces fight-or-flight (sympathetic nervous system); increases aggression; aids memory storage; overactive in PTSD; triggered by most stimulants

- epinephrine - similar to norepineprhine in structure and effects...mostly peripheral effects

- anandamide - associated with cannabinoid-like activity in hippocampus; relaxation NT

- serotonin - monoamine, indoleamine NT; counters norepinephrine to reduce aggressive tendencies; counters depression; enhances mood; induces bonding and group cooperation behaviors (civility); triggers somnolence (sleepiness); target of most antidepressants

- glutamine - excitatory peptide NT; NMDA and AMPA receptors; strongly linked to memory storage; is overactive in cases of oxygen deprivation, and induces brain cell death; blocked by NMDA antagonists (such as ketamine and phencyclidine)

- histamine - formed from histidine; used in mast cells to stimulate inflammation and allergic response (H1 receptors)...blocked by antihistamines; H2 receptors in stomach induce gastric secretion for digestion (blocked by H2 antagonists, such as Prilosec, Zantac, etc.); induces vasodilation and brochoconstriction

- oxytocin - induces uterine contraction, lactation, and induces bonding behavior, particularly in women

- enkephalins and endorphins - typically peptide-based substances that act like opiates to block pain at specific enkephalin and endorphin receptors through the brain and body

-