Neurotransmitter: A Brief Overview
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that are responsible for communication between neurons in the brain, as well as between neurons and other cells. Neurotransmitters are involved in a wide variety of physiological processes, including memory, learning, mood, motivation, and movement. They are released from one neuron, travel across a synapse, and bind to receptors on another neuron, influencing its activity. Neurotransmitters can be divided into two categories: excitatory and inhibitory. Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the activity of a neuron, while inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease the activity of a neuron (Kandel, Schwartz, & Jessell, 2000).
The most abundant neurotransmitters in the brain are glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine (Kandel et al., 2000). Glutamate and GABA are the main excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, respectively, and are involved in many different processes, including memory, learning, and motor control. Dopamine is involved in reward-seeking behavior and is also important for movement, cognition, and motivation. Serotonin is involved in mood regulation, while norepinephrine is involved in the stress response.
Neurotransmitters have been studied extensively in the past few decades, and their roles in a multitude of behavioral and physiological processes have been elucidated. For example, dysregulation of dopamine is thought to be involved in many neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Marder & O’Donnell, 2017). Similarly, serotonin dysregulation has been implicated in anxiety and depression.
Neurotransmitter research is ongoing and has advanced significantly in recent years. Novel techniques, such as optogenetics, have allowed for more precise manipulation of neuronal activity and neurotransmitter release (Deisseroth, 2011). In addition, the development of advanced imaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), has allowed for a more detailed understanding of the neural pathways involved in various cognitive and behavioral processes (Poldrack, 2017).
In conclusion, neurotransmitters are essential for communication between neurons in the brain, as well as between neurons and other cells. They are involved in a variety of physiological processes, including memory, learning, and mood regulation. Research in this area has advanced significantly in recent years, providing new insights into the roles of neurotransmitters in various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
References
Deisseroth, K. (2011). Optogenetics: Controlling the brain with light. Nature Methods, 8(1), 26-29.
Kandel, E.R., Schwartz, J.H., & Jessell, T.M. (2000). Principles of neural science (4th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Marder, S.R., & O’Donnell, P. (2017). Dopamine and schizophrenia. American Journal of Psychiatry, 174(11), 1037-1047.
Poldrack, R.A. (2017). The promise and peril of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for understanding the human brain. Annual Review of Psychology, 68, 683-706.