Neurotransmitter

Release and Process

7 Steps in
Neurotransmitter
Action
1. Synthesis
Enzymes that
synthesize the
precursors of
neurotransmit
ters
Proteins,
amino acids,
soluble gases,
peptides

7 Steps in
Neurotransmitter
Action
2. Storage in
synaptic
vesicles
Small, spherical
membranes that
store
neurotransmitter
and release them
into the synaptic
cleft

7 Steps in
Neurotransmitter
Action
3. Breakdown of any
neurotransmitter
leaking from the
vesicles

7 Steps in
Neurotransmitter
Action
4.
Exocytosi
s process
The
of releasing a
neurotransmi
tter (via Ca+ +
channels)

7 Steps in
Neurotransmitter
Action
5. Inhibitory
feedback via
autoreception
Often on the
presynaptic
membrane, that
are sensitive to a
neurons own
transmitter

7 Steps in
Neurotransmitter
Action
6. Activation of
postsynaptic
receptors
Proteins that
include binding
sites for particular
neurotransmitters

7 Steps in
Neurotransmitter
Action
7.
Deactivatio
n
Via
reuptake
Via
enzymatic
degradatio
n

A (condensed) review so
far
Amino acid neurotransmitters comprise a majority of the fast
acting, directed synapses. Some known are glutamate, aspartate,
glycine, and GABA.
Glutamate most prevalent excitatory neurotransmitteramong
mammals.
GABA most prevalent inhibitory neurotransmitter
Monoamine neurotransmitters are synthesized from a single amino
acid, and are usually found in neurons located in the brain stem. These
are diffusely released in the extracellular fluid. There are four
monoamine neurotransmitters; dopamine, norepinephrine,
epinephrine, and serotonin.

Some well known

neurotransmitters
Gamma amino butyric acid
(GABA)
Chief
inhibitory neurotransmitter in the
mammalian nervous system
It does not penetrate the blood brain
barrier but is synthesized rather in the
brain
Synthesized from glutamate using the
enzyme L glutamic acid
decarboxylase (GAD) and pyridoxal
phosphate (in Vit B6) as cofactor.
Converted back to glutamate via the
GABA shunt.
Neurons that produce GABA as their
output are known as GABAergic
neurons.

C4H9NO2

Some well known

neurotransmitters
Glutama
te

Chief exhibitory neurotransmitter in the

mammalian nervous system
Involved in cognitive functions such as
learning and memory
Serves as a precursor for the synthesis
of the inhibitory GABA catalyzed by GAD.

C5H9NO4

Some well known

neurotransmitters
Epinephri
ne
Central neurotransmitter;
involved in
wakefulness, memory, eating and
regulation of moods.
As an emotional response, epinephrine
occurs in response to stress (mostly
related to fear)
Produced in some neurons of the
nervous system and the adrenal
medulla.
Precursors are the amino acids
phenylalanine and tyrosine which are
synthesized by the phenylethanolamine
N methyltransferase (PNMT)
Adrenocorticotropic hormone
(ACTH) and cortisol stimulates the
precursors for epinephrine.

C9H13NO3

Some well known

neurotransmitters
Serotoni
n
Found in the enterochromaffin cells in
the GI tract (90%) and the
serotonergic neurons in the CNS.
Generally thought to be a contributor to
feelings of well being and happiness.
Regulates intestinal activity (in GI tract)
as well as regulation of mood, sleep and
appetite (CNS)
Precursors are L tryptophan which is
converted to 5 hydroxy L
tryptophan (5 HTP) which is then
synthesized by the enzyme Aromatic L
amino acid decarboxylase

C10H12NO
2

Some well known

neurotransmitters
Acetylcholi
ne
The neurotransmitter
released in order to
activate muscles (voluntary movement);
usually found in neuromuscular junctions
(a type of synapse)
Produced in motor neurons,
parasympathetic nervous system,
and the brain
Has effects on arousal, wakeful state, REM
sleep, and sustaining attention.
Precursors are acetyl CoA and
choline and synthesized by the enzyme
choline acetyltransferase
First neurotransmitter to be identified (in
1915)