AMINO ACID NEUROTRANSMITTERS

By: Syarifah Anith Atiqa Syed Rozhan 10-3-99

AMINO ACID NEUROTRANSMITTER

Inhibitory Excitatory

Depress the activity of post synaptic cells

Activate post synaptic cells

- GABA - Glycine - Serotonin

- Glutamate

- Aspartate
- Cysteine

-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID (GABA)

GABA is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain

Figure 4.1 Synthesis of GABA. GABA is derived from glucose, which is transaminated in the Krebs cycle to glutamate and then converted to GABA.

DEGRADATION

Figure 4.2 Degradation of GABA. Succinate produced will then enters Krebs cycle as a usable source of energy.

CLINICAL CORRELATIONS
EPILEPSY

Decreased local GABA- mediated inhibition

SPASTIC DIPLEGIA

Caused when nerve receptors cannot absorb GABA

SEROTONIN

Figure 4.3 Biosynthesis of serotonin. It is synthesized from tryptophan by two enzymes: tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) and amino acid decarboxylase.

DEGRADATION

Figure 4.4 Oxidation of serotonin into 5-hydroxy-indol-acetic acid (5-HIAA). It is then secreted in urine

CLINICAL CORRELATION
- Serotonin toxicity

- Decreased immune system function

- Depression, anxiousness
- Trouble sleeping - Uncontrolled appetite

- Migraine

GLUTAMATE
Glutamate is the principal excitatory neurotransmitter

Figure 4.5 Synthesis of Glutamate. It can be synthesized from glutamine by the action of phosphate-activated glutaminase

DEGRADATION

Figure 4.6 Degradation of Glutamate. In this pathway it is deaminated by an NAD-linked dehydrogenase, forming ammonia and 2-oxoglutarate, which is then enter the Krebs cycle.

CLINICAL CORRELATION
Excitotoxicity Alzheimers Huntingtons Epileptic seizures Mental retardation

GLYCINE

Figure 4.3 Synthesis of Glycine. It is synthesized from serine by serine hydroxymethyl transferase.

DEGRADATION

Figure 4.4 Glycine cleavage complex. Glycine synthesis is catalyzed by glycine decarboxylase. This conversion is readily reversible.