10 Examples of Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical messenger that are used to transfer nerve impulse between neuron during the process of synapses.

Examples of Neurotransmitters

Here are some examples of Neurotransmitters:

1.     Acetylcholine

• Characteristics: The most abundant neurotransmitter in the brain. Plays a role in muscle movement, attention, learning, memory, and regulation of heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.
• Function: Excitatory and inhibitory functions, muscle stimulation, cognitive processes, and autonomic functions.

2.     Cholecystokinin

• Characteristics: Released by the small intestine in response to food. Regulates digestion by stimulating bile and enzyme release. Involved in satiety.
• Function: Hormonal regulation of digestion, appetite control.

3.     Dopamine

• Characteristics: Involved in movement, motivation, learning, and reward. Associated with pleasure and addictive behaviors.
• Function: Excitatory and inhibitory functions, pleasure and reward sensation, motivation, addictive behaviors.

4.     Serotonin

• Characteristics: Inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and pain perception.
• Function: Mood stabilization, sleep regulation, appetite control, pain modulation.

5.     Endorphins

• Characteristics: Opioid neurotransmitter produced in the brain and pituitary gland. Has analgesic effects, released during exercise and stress.
• Function: Pain reduction, sense of well-being, response to stress and exercise.

6.     Epinephrine

• Characteristics: Hormone released by adrenal glands in response to stress. Also functions as a neurotransmitter. Prepares the body for “fight or flight.”
• Function: Excitatory and hormone functions, stress response, heart rate and blood pressure increase.

7.     GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid)

• Characteristics: Main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Calms the brain, reduces anxiety, and is involved in sleep, learning, and memory.
• Function: Inhibition of neuronal activity, anxiety reduction, sleep regulation.

8.     Norepinephrine

• Characteristics: Excitatory neurotransmitter involved in mood, arousal, attention, and stress response.
• Function: Mood regulation, stress response, attention control.

9.     Glycine

• Characteristics: Inhibitory neurotransmitter most abundant in the spinal cord. Regulates muscle movement and pain perception.
• Function: Inhibition of motor neurons, pain perception regulation.

10. Histamine

Characteristics: Excitatory neurotransmitter involved in sleep, wakefulness, appetite, and allergic reactions.

Function: Excitation of sleep-wake cycles, appetite regulation, immune response.