CHAPTER 18: Unit 6. Amines in Humans: Neurotransmitters
Lesson Progress
0% Complete
Amines in Humans: Neurotransmitters
The videos below illustrate the amine neurotransmitters:
 |
| Reference: https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-physiology/what-are-neurotransmitters |
 |
| Reference: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-chemistry-of-depression-1065137 |
| Neurotransmitters are nitrogen based chemical compounds that are used by the human body (the nerve system) to transmit messages between neurons (nerve cells) or between the neurons and other target cells such as muscle cells and gland cells. The neuron is made of dendrites (several filaments appear at both ends of the cell which are considered as receivers of the messages) and a cell body. At the opposite end of the dendrites there are an axon terminal. Both the dendrites and axon terminal of the other neuron (nerve cell) form an area called synapses.The transmitters are released into synapses when an electrical signal reaches the axon terminal. The transmitters then are taken by the dendrites in nearby nerve cell. Therefore, an alternating series of electrical pulses are formed. During this process, the neutransmitters are moving the needed information in a very short time through a network of neurons (nerve cells).Neurotransmitters at Synapse:Neurotransmitters are produced in the neurons (nerve cell) and stored in the area of the neuron called vesicles at the end of axon terminal. There are many vesicles in one filament (which can be made of several thousands of neurotransmitters molecules).The nerve pulse stimulates the vesicles to release the neurotransmitter molecules into the synapse when it arrives the vesicles.Neurotransmitters can act as inhibitors or as catalysts. Neurotransmitters can stimulate the receptors to send more pulses to send more nerve pulses (acting as catalysts). Neurotransmitters can decrease the activity of the receptors (act as inhibitors).The flow of positive ions such as Ca2+ create new electrical pulses that catalyze additional neurons (nerve cells) to release the neurotransmitters form their vesicles into synapse.as shown in the figure below: |
 |
| Reference: https://teachmephysiology.com/nervous-system/components/neurotransmitters/ |
| Major neurotransmitters and their functions |
 |
| Reference: https://ib.bioninja.com.au/options/option-a-neurobiology-and/a5-neuropharmacology/types-of-neurotransmitters.html |
 |
| Reference: http://dmd.aspetjournals.org/content/35/4/508/tab-figures-data |
 |
| Reference: https://studylib.net/doc/9657422/neurotransmitter-function-effect-of-deficit-effect-of-sur |
| The CatecholaminesCatecholamines are aromatic neurotransmitters synthesized from the tyrosine. Tyrosine is found in the meats, nuts and milk derivates foods.Amphetamine and methamphetamine are considered part of the catecholamines family. Both are strong stimulants of the central nerve system. Amphetamine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). |
 |
| Reference: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Pathway-of-catecholamine-biosynthesis-Synthesis-of-epinephrine-and-norepinephrine-is_fig3_308037816 |