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| neurotransmitters [2025/02/13 07:05] – [Notes] andrewtaustin | neurotransmitters [2025/02/13 07:07] (current) – [Neurotransmitters as Hormones] andrewtaustin | ||
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| Neurotransmitters are primarily known for their role in neuronal communication within the central nervous system (CNS). However, when they are released into the bloodstream or act outside the blood-brain barrier, they can function as hormones, influencing various physiological processes throughout the body. | Neurotransmitters are primarily known for their role in neuronal communication within the central nervous system (CNS). However, when they are released into the bloodstream or act outside the blood-brain barrier, they can function as hormones, influencing various physiological processes throughout the body. | ||
| - | - **Norepinephrine**: | + | **Norepinephrine**: |
| * In the CNS, norepinephrine acts as a neurotransmitter, | * In the CNS, norepinephrine acts as a neurotransmitter, | ||
| * Outside the CNS, it is released by the adrenal medulla as a hormone, contributing to the " | * Outside the CNS, it is released by the adrenal medulla as a hormone, contributing to the " | ||
| - | - **Dopamine**: | + | **Dopamine**: |
| * In the brain, dopamine regulates reward, motivation, and movement. | * In the brain, dopamine regulates reward, motivation, and movement. | ||
| * In the periphery, dopamine acts as a hormone in the kidneys, where it helps regulate sodium excretion and blood pressure. | * In the periphery, dopamine acts as a hormone in the kidneys, where it helps regulate sodium excretion and blood pressure. | ||
| - | - **Serotonin**: | + | **Serotonin**: |
| * In the CNS, serotonin modulates mood, appetite, and sleep. | * In the CNS, serotonin modulates mood, appetite, and sleep. | ||
| * In the gut (where 90% of serotonin is produced), it acts as a hormone to regulate intestinal motility and blood flow. | * In the gut (where 90% of serotonin is produced), it acts as a hormone to regulate intestinal motility and blood flow. | ||
| - | - **Acetylcholine**: | + | **Acetylcholine**: |
| * In the CNS, acetylcholine is involved in memory and learning. | * In the CNS, acetylcholine is involved in memory and learning. | ||
| * Outside the CNS, it acts as a hormone in the autonomic nervous system, controlling heart rate, digestion, and muscle contraction. | * Outside the CNS, it acts as a hormone in the autonomic nervous system, controlling heart rate, digestion, and muscle contraction. | ||
| - | - **Histamine**: | + | **Histamine**: |
| * In the brain, histamine regulates wakefulness and appetite. | * In the brain, histamine regulates wakefulness and appetite. | ||
| * In the body, it acts as a hormone in immune responses, triggering inflammation and allergic reactions. | * In the body, it acts as a hormone in immune responses, triggering inflammation and allergic reactions. | ||
| - | - **Glutamate and GABA**: | + | **Glutamate and GABA**: |
| * These are primarily CNS neurotransmitters, | * These are primarily CNS neurotransmitters, | ||