Canadian Medical Guide > Chemicals and Drugs > Neurotransmitters and Neurotransmitter Agents > Neurotransmitters Terms and Definitions

Neurotransmitters

Medical Definition:	Endogenous signaling molecules secreted by neurons that alter the behavior of neurons or effector cells. Neurotransmitter is used here in its most general sense, including not only messengers that act directly to regulate ion channels, but also those that act through second messenger systems, and those that act at a distance from their site of release. Included are neuromodulators, neuroregulators, neuromediators, neurohormones, and neurohumors, whether or not acting at synapses.
Guide Notes:	GEN or unspecified; prefer specifics; DF: NEUROTRANSM
Also Called:	Neurohormones,Neurohumors,Neuromodulators,Neuroregulators
Previously Indexed:	Nerve Endings/physiology (1966-1967),Neurosecretion (1966-1967)

Neurotransmitters Categories.

	Amino Acid Neurotransmitters - Amino acids released by neurons as intercellular messengers. Among the amino acid neurotransmitters are glutamate (GLUTAMIC ACID) and GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID which are, respectively, the most common excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system.
	Biogenic Amine Neurotransmitters - Biogenic amines released by neurons as intercellular messengers. The biogenic amines norepinephrine, dopamine, histamine, and serotonin are neurotransmitters in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Neurotransmitters Medical Definitions and Terms

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