NR 668 Week 3
1. Neurotransmitter Activity: -Neurotransmitters are specialized chemicals that act as messengers be-
tween neurons
-governed by the release and uptake of neurotransmitters
• Most bodily functions; heart rate, breathing, digestion, allergic reactions
-released from a "sending" neuron into a synapse (space)
• once in synapse, neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the "receiving" neuron
2. Common neurotransmitters: norepinephrine
epinephrine
GABA
histamine
serotonin
3. GABA: -gamma-aminobutyric acid
-amino acid
-inhibitory neurotransmitter
• decrease neuroexcitability across the brain
• bring the "chill" to the party
• take the edge off stress and help calm down
1/6
, • help people relax, destress, get some sleep
-don't have enough of me, may experience anxiety or even schizophrenia
-Some meds use my benefits to help people sleep for medical procedures
-You can see my effects when people drink alcohol
• few drinks, people are social & up for just about anything. I'm told these are great benefits, but some people abuse
alcohol and medications that target me, such as benzodiazepines.
• don't just calm down those emotions, I slow down everything, even breathing, can be dangerous.
-also affect executive function & motor coordination, making people more at risk for accidents
4. NE: -norepinephrine
-also a monoamine neurotransmitter
-serve many functions in the human body
• flight, fight, or fright
• alert, oriented, and ready to take on life's challenges
• help with focus and productivity
• put some "pep in your step"
2/6
1. Neurotransmitter Activity: -Neurotransmitters are specialized chemicals that act as messengers be-
tween neurons
-governed by the release and uptake of neurotransmitters
• Most bodily functions; heart rate, breathing, digestion, allergic reactions
-released from a "sending" neuron into a synapse (space)
• once in synapse, neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the "receiving" neuron
2. Common neurotransmitters: norepinephrine
epinephrine
GABA
histamine
serotonin
3. GABA: -gamma-aminobutyric acid
-amino acid
-inhibitory neurotransmitter
• decrease neuroexcitability across the brain
• bring the "chill" to the party
• take the edge off stress and help calm down
1/6
, • help people relax, destress, get some sleep
-don't have enough of me, may experience anxiety or even schizophrenia
-Some meds use my benefits to help people sleep for medical procedures
-You can see my effects when people drink alcohol
• few drinks, people are social & up for just about anything. I'm told these are great benefits, but some people abuse
alcohol and medications that target me, such as benzodiazepines.
• don't just calm down those emotions, I slow down everything, even breathing, can be dangerous.
-also affect executive function & motor coordination, making people more at risk for accidents
4. NE: -norepinephrine
-also a monoamine neurotransmitter
-serve many functions in the human body
• flight, fight, or fright
• alert, oriented, and ready to take on life's challenges
• help with focus and productivity
• put some "pep in your step"
2/6
