The main neurotransmitters: what happens when we lack them?

Before talking about the main neurotransmitters, let’s see what a neurotransmitter is. Is about a biomolecule that transmits information from one neuron to another consecutive onejoined by a synapse.

In other words, neurotransmitters are chemical substances that are responsible for transmitting information through different areas of the nervous system, for the correct functioning of the body.

In this case, the neurotransmitter is released by synaptic vesicles at the tip of the presynaptic neuron; Then, it crosses the synaptic space and acts by changing the action potential in the next neuron (postsynaptic), fixing itself at precise points on its plasma membrane.

Neurotransmitters guide our lives

The importance of neurotransmitters lies in its ability to make the various organs of the body function, without our conscious control. So it contributes to the vital functions of the body such as the regulation of blood pressure, heart rate, intestinal movement, blood flow to the different organs, breathing, sleep, wakefulness, emotions, immunity, among others.

Therefore, Deficiency or excess of any neurotransmitter can produce severe disorders in the body.which end up affecting physical health, mental functions, behavior and mood.

So far it has been discovered that around fifty chemicals can act as neurotransmitters. In fact, There are many biopsychologists who believe that, over time, several dozen more will be discovered.

Furthermore, there are indications which suggest that at least one neurotransmitter can be produced in the form of nitric oxide; a gas that, unlike the others, is in a liquid state.

The neurotransmitters They guide our lives because they produce the excitation or inhibition of neurons to different degrees and with different concentrations. So the same neurotransmitter can activate a neuron when it is secreted in a certain part of the brain or inhibit its activity when it is produced in another part.

Guys

Neurotransmitters are classified as follows:

Amines: are those that are derived from different amino acids such as, for example, tryptophan. In class are: norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine or serotonin.Amino acids: They are actually amino acids, and among them include glutamate, GABA, aspartate or glycine.Purines: They act as chemical messengers, such as adenosine.Gaseslike nitric oxide.Peptides: which include endorphins, dynorphins and takinines.Esterssuch as acetylcholine.

What are the main neurotransmitters?

We could safely say that the main neurotransmitters are the following: acetylcholine (ACH), dopamine (DA), enkephalins and endorphins, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT). These molecules are essential for the body’s functions.

Let’s see what each one consists of.

Acetylcholine (ACH)

One of the main neurotransmitters is acetylcholine (ACH), as it is responsible for stimulating muscle contraction. In addition, it can be found in sensory neurons and in the autonomic nervous system, where they fulfill their role in regulating sleep. In this way, it is secreted in high quantities during wakefulness and REM sleep, and in low quantities during deep sleep.

Having said that, The fundamental role of acetylcholine is the normal functioning of the muscles. Therefore, toxic substances such as the venom of the black widow spider produce a continuous secretion of ACH, which causes the victim to die between muscle spasms.

ACH is also related to the drug called curare; which was used on the tips of the poisoned darts thrown by the Indians of some regions of South America. Curare prevents ACH from reaching the recipient cells, paralyzing skeletal muscles and causing death by suffocation.

Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA)

GABA is another important neurotransmitter and is located in both the brain and spinal cord. It appears to be the main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the nervous system..

Its functions are closely related to humor and emotions.. So it keeps the various emotional responses under control. For example, High levels of GABA promote relaxation, sleep, sedation and good memorization.

Instead, When the levels of this neurotransmitter are low, there is difficulty falling asleep, anxiety, mania and panic attacks appear..

The deadly poison strychnine causes seizures by disrupting GABA transmission at the synapse. On the other hand, tranquilizers like Valium are effective since they allow GABA to work more efficiently. The same goes for alcohol.

Dopamine (DA)

Dopamine has an inhibitory effect on some neurons and an excitatory effect on others.like those of the heart.

This neurotransmitter It is involved in the coordination of movements, inhibiting those that are not necessary. Therefore, Parkinson’s disease has been associated with a lack of dopamine in the brain.

For its part, The increased activity of dopaminergic neurons contributes to the appearance of some psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia..

In addition, alcohol and drug abuse can temporarily increase dopamine levels in the body, which produces a state of confusion and difficulty concentrating. However, normal levels of this neurotransmitter contribute positively to motivation.

Endorphins

Endorphins are chemicals produced by the body that interact with a specific neuron, called the opioid receptor. Opioid receptors They act to reduce the sensation of pain. In fact, many drugs, such as morphine, are used to activate these receptors.

People who suffer from diseases that cause severe, long-term pain They tend to generate high concentrations of endorphins in your brain. This phenomenon would be proof that the body is making an effort to control the sensation of pain.

Serotonin (5-HT)

Serotonin, commonly known as the happiness hormone, It is a chemical substance produced by the human body that functions as a neurotransmitter; so it is capable of transmitting signals between nerves.

Some researchers consider it responsible for keeping our mood in balance. In fact, serotonin deficiency could sometimes lead to depression and suicidal tendencies.

For its part, participates in the regulation of body temperature, pain perception and sleep cycles. And its insufficiency could also lead to poor functioning of the immune system, lack of impulse control and the suffering of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Norepinephrine (NE)

Also known as norepinephrine (NAd) is an excitatory neurotransmitter that raises levels of alertness and wakefulness. Its low concentration has been related to mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. While high concentrations usually lead to sleep cycle disturbances.

Likewise, norepinephrine is released from sympathetic neurons, affecting the heart. An increase in norepinephrine levels in the sympathetic nervous system increases the rate of contractions.

Along with epinephrine, norepinephrine is also characteristic of the fight or flight reaction, stimulating the work of the cardiovascular system. So, triggers the release of glucose from energy stores, and increases blood flow to the muscles.

Histamine

Histamine is a special type of neurotransmitter since, in addition to being produced by the neurons of the central nervous system and act by allowing synapses; It is also released by white blood cells, playing an important role as a hormone in inflammatory responses.

In its role as a hormone, histamine is released by different types of immune cells into the bloodstream to travel to the site of a foreign substance and begin an inflammatory response, whose function is to overcome the situation that is causing damage as soon as possible.

In this sense, histamine acts in the eyes, skin, nose, throat, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, among others, causing typical inflammatory symptoms. That is, nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, appearance of edema, eye and skin irritation, and more.

For its part, As a neurotransmitter, histamine plays an important role in regulating communication (synapses) between neurons. Which makes this molecule essential to regulate sleep cycles, consolidate memory, modify stress levels, coordinate sexual functions and control the synthesis of other neurotransmitters, either inhibiting or increasing their production.

Maintaining the correct amount of histamine in the body is very important: a histamine deficiency can be fataland in excess it causes histamine symptoms that are harmful to the patient.

Glutamate

Glutamate, in addition to being a substrate in protein synthesis, It is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is involved in and regulates motor, sensory and cognitive systems, which is why it is present in 80-90% of synapses in the brain.

Besides, intervenes in the formation of memories and their recoveryand is considered the main mediator of sensory, motor, cognitive, and emotional information.

Lack of the glutamate transporter in the brain can cause profound deafness and seizures. Likewise, it has been stipulated that glutamatergic dysfunction plays a transcendental role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Tachykinin

Tachykinin is a molecule (amino acid type) that functions as a neurotransmitter. It is a very important chemical substance in experiencing pain sensations and maintaining involuntary vital functionssuch as heartbeat, breathing or bowel movements.

In this sense, tachykinin is essential for, on the one hand, allow communication between neurons when the brain needs to be alerted that something hurts us and, on the other hand, ensure the heartbeat, breathing, digestion and all those functions whose movement we do not control but which are vital to guarantee our survival.

Without tachykinin we would constantly suffer injuries, We would not know how our body reacts to the environment and, ultimately, we would not be able to survive. The perception of pain is vital to respond and flee as quickly as possible from something that is hurting us.

Enkephalins

Enkephalin is a peptide hormone formed by the union of several amino acids that acts as a neurotransmitter. It is part of a subtype…