Neurotransmitters and their functions

Neurotransmitters

·         Acetylcholine is excitatory neurotransmitter. It is involved in learning, memory, attention and general intellectual functions. Low level of acetylcholine leads to Alzheimer’s disease and excessive level leads severe muscle spasm.

·         Dopamine is inhibitory neurotransmitter. It is involved in attention, learning and involuntary movements. Low level of dopamine leads parkinson’s disease and high level of dopamine leads schizophrenia and drug addiction.

·         Serotonin is inhibitory neurotransmitter. It regulates mood, emotional states, hunger, sleep and wakefulness. Low level of serotonin leads depression and mood disorder and high level of serotonin leads autism.

·         Nor epinephrine is excitatory neurotransmitter. Arouse state of flight or fight, play role in learning and memory retrieval. Low level of norepinephrine leads mental disorder especially depression and high level leads anxiety.

·         Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is inhibitory neurotransmitter. It regulates daily sleep awake cycle. Low level of GABA leads to insomnia, anxiety, seizures and tremors.

·         Endorphins are inhibitory neurotransmitters. It involves in positive emotions and pain perception. Low level of endorphins lead to body experiences pain.

·         Glutamate is excitatory neurotransmitter. It involves in learning, memory and movement. It helps information or message to cross the synapse more efficiently. High level of glutamate leads to epileptic seizures.