INI

Neurotransmitters - INI

Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that transmit signals between neurons across synapses. They are classified into amino acids, monoamines, peptides, and other categories, with nervous system function regulated by the balance between excitatory and inhibitory types. Over 100 types are believed to exist, involved in all brain functions including memory and learning, emotions, motor control, and sleep-wake cycles.

neuroscience brain nervous system chemical transmission synapse dopamine serotonin GABA glutamate

[item.glutamate]
code=01
slug=glutamate
name=Glutamate
description=The most important excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
category=Amino Acid
function=Excitatory

[item.gaba]
code=02
slug=gaba
name=GABA
description=The major inhibitory neurotransmitter, responsible for approximately 40% of inhibitory processing in the brain.
category=Amino Acid
function=Inhibitory

[item.dopamine]
code=03
slug=dopamine
name=Dopamine
description=A monoamine neurotransmitter involved in pleasure, motivation, and reward systems.
category=Monoamine (Catecholamine)
function=Excitatory/Modulatory

[item.serotonin]
code=04
slug=serotonin
name=Serotonin
description=An indole monoamine neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite.
category=Monoamine (Indole)
function=Inhibitory/Modulatory

[item.acetylcholine]
code=05
slug=acetylcholine
name=Acetylcholine
description=The most widely studied neurotransmitter involved in memory, learning, and muscle contraction.
category=Choline Derivative
function=Excitatory/Inhibitory (context-dependent)

[item.norepinephrine]
code=06
slug=norepinephrine
name=Norepinephrine
description=A catecholamine neurotransmitter involved in arousal, attention, and stress response.
category=Monoamine (Catecholamine)
function=Excitatory/Modulatory

[item.glycine]
code=07
slug=glycine
name=Glycine
description=An inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitter that primarily functions in the spinal cord.
category=Amino Acid
function=Inhibitory

[item.histamine]
code=08
slug=histamine
name=Histamine
description=A monoamine neurotransmitter involved in wakefulness, feeding behavior, and immune response.
category=Monoamine
function=Excitatory/Modulatory

[item.endorphin]
code=09
slug=endorphin
name=Endorphin
description=A neuropeptide that relieves pain and produces feelings of well-being.
category=Neuropeptide
function=Modulatory

[item.epinephrine]
code=10
slug=epinephrine
name=Epinephrine
description=A hormone and neurotransmitter that triggers the fight-or-flight response.
category=Monoamine (Catecholamine)
function=Excitatory