1. Researchers have identified over 75 chemical
Neurotransmitters
Researchers have identified over 75 chemical
substances that are manufactured in the brain,
spinal cord, glands and other parts of the body that may act as neurotransmitters.

2. Useful vocabulary:
Excitatory effects & Inhibitory effects  Excitatory neurotransmitters trigger a nerve impulses in the receiving cell (they speed up neuron communication) while inhibitory neurotransmitters act to prevent further transmission of an impulse.(they slow down neural communication)

3. Acetylcholine Ach (ah-SEET-ul-KOH-leen)
Neurotransmitters
Acetylcholine Ach (ah-SEET-ul-KOH-leen)

4. Neurotransmitters
Acetylcholine Ach Exerts excitatory and inhibitory effects. Excitatory effects of voluntary muscles, causing them to contract so that you can move, but inhibitory effects on the muscle fibers in the heart, so that it doesn’t over pump.

5. Neurotransmitters
Example: When you run to class because there is a hall sweep acetylcholine helps your leg muscles contract quickly, while at the same time preventing your heart muscles from pumping so rapidly you pass out.

6. Neurotransmitters
Acetylcholine Also plays a role in REM sleep and helping to understand and store new information. Critical for normal attention, arousal and memory. Acetylcholine is helping you right now!

7. Dopamine DA (DOE-pah-meen)
Neurotransmitters
Dopamine DA (DOE-pah-meen)

9. Neurotransmitters
Dopamine Produces both excitatory and inhibitory effects. *Pleasure & Mood *Learning/Attention *Movement *Alertness

10. Awakenings

11. Norepinephrine (nor-EP-ih-NEF-rin) NE
Neurotransmitters
Norepinephrine (nor-EP-ih-NEF-rin) NE

12. Neurotransmitters
Norepinephrine (nor-EP-ih-NEF-rin) NE Affects *Mood *Eating (Stimulates the intake of carbohydrates) *Alertness *Wakefulness *Learning

13. Family Guy Tries Red Bull

14. Epinephrine (EP-ih-NEF-rin) EPI
Neurotransmitters
(adrenaline)
Epinephrine (EP-ih-NEF-rin) EPI

15. Neurotransmitters
Epinephrine (EP-ih-NEF-rin) EPI (Adrenaline) Compliments norepinephrine by affecting the metabolism of glucose and causing the nutrients stored in muscles to be released during strenuous exercise.

16. Serotonin 5HT (ser-oh-TOE-nin)
Neurotransmitters
Serotonin 5HT (ser-oh-TOE-nin)

17. Neurotransmitters
Serotonin 5HT (ser-oh-TOE-nin) Regulates *Sleep *Mood *Impulsivity *Aggression *Appetite

18. Glutamate (GLOO-tah-mate)
Neurotransmitters
Glutamate (GLOO-tah-mate)

19. Glutamate (GLOO-tah-mate) MSG
Neurotransmitters
Glutamate (GLOO-tah-mate) MSG

20. Neurotransmitters
Glutamate (GLOO-tah-mate) The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is released by about 40% of the neurons and is active in areas of the brain involved in learning, thought, and emotions. Why do some people have adverse side effects when they eat food with MSG?

21. Neurotransmitters
GABA (Short for “gamma-aminobutyric acid”) *Controls anxiety *Sleep *Movement

22. Neurotransmitters
Barbituates=ex. sedative
GABA (Short for “gamma-aminobutyric acid”) The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Controls anxiety in humans. Tranquilizers, barbiturates, and alcohol appear to have a calming effect because they bind with and stimulate one type of GABA receptor, thereby increasing GABA’s anxiety controlling effect. Alcohol raises GABA levels, which is why many report feelings of relaxation after a drink.

23. Endorphins (en-DOR-fins)
Neurotransmitters
Endorphins (en-DOR-fins)

24. Neurotransmitters
Endorphins (en-DOR-fins) Chemicals produced naturally in the brain that reduce pain and the stress of vigorous exercise and positively affect mood.

25. Neurotransmitters
Endorphins (en-DOR-fins) General feelings of well-being and pleasure. (Runner’s high.) Opiate drugs such as heroin and morphine mimic the endorphins and bind to their receptor sites.

26. Can you name any foods that release endorphins?
(Maybe that is why they are so addicting?)