Module 5: Biochemistry

Selina S. Figalan LPT

Objectives:

By the end of this module the learners should be able

to:
1. define neurotransmitters.
2. inculcate the different types of neurotransmitters.
3. identify the structures of neurotransmitters.
4. explain the use of neurotransmitters.
5. illustrate the mechanisms of neurotransmitters.
 Nervous system is one of the systems in the
human body that controls the different organs of
the body in order to function. through the help of
neurons or the nerve cells and the
neurotransmitters

 The nerve cells stimulate the nerve impulses and

the neurotransmitters are released.

 Neuron or nerve cell is the basic unit of the

nervous system.
Neurons receive and transmit information from the
other neurons and the messages passed to the cell
body.
There are 100 billion neurons found in the human
body.
Neurons are made up of the following parts:
  Neurons Communicate Using Electricity and
Chemicals
 The nervous system operates using
an electrochemical process.
 An electrical charge moves through the neuron itself, and
chemicals are used to transmit information between neurons.
 Within the neuron, when a signal is received by the dendrites,
it is transmitted to the soma in the form of an electrical signal,
and, if the signal is strong enough, it may then be passed on
to the axon and then to the terminal buttons.
 If the signal reaches the terminal buttons, they are signaled to
emit chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which
communicate with other neurons across the spaces between
the cells, known as synapses.
Classification of Neurotransmitters:

1. Excitatory Neurotransmitters that stimulate the

target cell to do action.
2. Inhibitory Neurotransmitters are opposite of
excitatory , it decreases the chance of the target cell
to do action. In some cases, the effect of the
neurotransmitters is to relax.
3. Modulatory Neurotransmitters are able to send
messages to many neurons at the same time which
are able to communicate to the other
neurotransmitters.
 Types of Neurotransmitters

Excitatory :

1. Glutamate
Glutamate is the most common
neurotransmitter of the CNS that balances the effect of
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

There, glutamate's role is primarily to excite other

neurons so that they'll carry out their function.
Glutamate is an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter in your brain.
Tomatoes, cheese, and mushrooms contain high amounts of glutamate.
Glutamate is the most common neurotransmitter of
the CNS that balances the effect of gamma-
aminobutyric acid (GABA).

2. Aspartate
Aspartate is one of the most abundant excitatory
neurotransmitters in the CNS which is found in the
ventral spinal cord. It opens the ion channel and
inactivates through reabsorption to the presynaptic
membrane. It increases the depolarization in the
postsynaptic membrane.
3. Acetylcholine is also found in many brain neurons
where it plays a vital role in mental processes and
human behaviors, such as memory and cognition.1
It is involved in attention, arousal, neuroplasticity, and
REM sleep

Within the autonomic system, acetylcholine

controls a number of functions by acting on neurons in
the ​sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. It is
also involved in the contraction of smooth muscles
and dilation of blood vessels, and it can promote
increased body secretions and a slower heart rate.2
Epinephrine ( adrenaline) and Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)

Facing a gigantic ocean wave would probably trigger

adrenaline production in many people.
 4 . Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
 Epinephrine and norepinephrine are similar
chemicals that act as both neurotransmitters and
hormones in the body. Both substances play an
important role in the body's fight or flight response,
and their release into the bloodstream causes
increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and blood
sugar levels. May 10, 2022
 Epinephrine (also called adrenaline), norepinephrine,
and dopamine make up a small but important
hormone family called catecholamines. Epinephrine
and norepinephrine are the hormones behind your
“fight-or-flight” response (also called the fight, flight,
or freeze response).
Histamine in Mental Health
Histamine
 Histamine is an excitatory neurotransmitter that makes you
feel 'on edge'. Chronic elevated histamine is a common
cause of irritability, agitation, anxiety and mood swings. This
is why some people take Benadryl as a sleep aid as it is an
antihistamine which helps the body and nervous system
calm down.Feb 2, 2022
Norepinephrine imbalances. An imbalance of
norepinephrine (too much or too little) can have an
impact on your mental and emotional health.
Conditions such as depression, anxiety,
addiction, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress
disorder are caused by an imbalance of
norepinephrine.
Inhibitory Neurotransmitters
 Serotonin is a neurotransmitter—the “happy”
chemical that plays an important role in your
brain’s biochemistry and your overall functioning.
It’s vital for good sleep, self-confidence, social
interactions, learning and memory, a healthy
appetite, and (yes) a balanced mood.
 In fact, low serotonin levels can trigger an equally
low mood. Without sufficient serotonin, you may
experience poor sleep, irregular appetite, and
waning energy. And you may feel irritable, anxious,
pessimistic, and even depressed.
Thank you !