CHAPTER 4: PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY

NEUROTRANSMITTERS, NEUROMODULATORS, AND NEUROHORMONES

neurotransmitter A chemical messenger that communicates across a synapse.

neuromodulator A chemical messenger that communicates with target cells more distant than the synapse by
diffusing away from the point of release.

neurohormone A chemical messenger that communicates with target cells at great distance, often by traveling
through the circulation.

Identifying Neurotransmitters

Types of Neurotransmitters

small-molecule transmitter One of a group of chemical messengers that includes amino acids and amines.

neuropeptide A peptide that acts as a neurotransmitter, a neuromodulator, or a neurohormone

amino acid An essential component of proteinsAn essential component of proteins

The Small-Molecule Transmitters

acetylcholine (ACh) A major small-molecule neurotransmitter used at the neuromuscular junction, in the autonomic
nervous system, and in the central nervous system

acetylcholinesterase (AChe) An enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

nicotinic receptor An enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

muscarinic receptor A postsynaptic receptor that responds to both ACh and muscarine

monoamine One of a major group of biogenic amine neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine,
epinephrine, and serotonin.

catecholamine One of a major group of biogenic amine neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine,
epinephrine, and serotonin.

indoleamine One of a major group of biogenic amine neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine,
epinephrine, and serotonin.

monoamine oxidase (MAO) An enzyme that breaks down monoamines

L-dopa A substance produced during the synthesis of catecholamines that is also administered as a
treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

dopamine A major monoamine and catecholamine neurotransmitter implicated in motor control, reward,
 and psychosis.

norepinephrine A major monoamine and catecholamine neurotransmitter

epinephrine One of the monoamine/ catecholamine neurotransmitters; also known as adrenaline

serotonin A major monoamine and indoleamine neurotransmitter believed to participate in the regulation of
mood, sleep, and appetite.

glutamate A major excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter.

gamma-aminobutyric acid A major inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitter.

(GABA)

adenosine A byproduct of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that functions as a neurotransmitter.

Neuropeptides

Gaseous Neurotransmitters

nitric oxide (NO) A gas that performs a type of signaling between neurons

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agonists Substance that promotes the activity of a neurotransmitter.

antagonist Substance that reduces the action of a neurotransmitter.

reserpine A substance derived from a plant that depletes supplies of monoamines by interfering with the
uptake of monoamines into synaptic vesicles; used to treat high blood pressure but often produces
depression.

botulism A fatal condition produced by bacteria in spoiled food, in which a toxin produced by the bacteria
prevents the release of ACh

benzodiazepines A major tranquilizer that acts as a GABA agonist.

barbiturates A drug that produces strong sedation by acting as a GABA agonist.

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 reuptake inhibitors Substance that interferes with the transport of released neurotransmitter molecules back into the
presynaptic terminal.

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area postrema A brainstem area, in which the blood–brain barrier is more permeable, that triggers vomiting in
response to the detection of circulating toxins.

placebo effects Perceived benefit from inactive substances or procedures

double-blind experiment A research design in which neither the participant nor the experimenter knows whether the
participant is receiving a drug or a placebo until after the research is concluded.

tolerance The process in which more of a drug is needed to produce the same effect.

withdrawal The symptoms that occur when certain addictive drugs are no longer administered or are
administered in smaller quantities.

addiction A compulsive craving for drug effects or other experience.

nucleus accumbens A dopaminergic structure believed to participate in reward and addiction.

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Psychoactive drugs A drug that produces changes in mental processes

caffeine A stimulant drug found in coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate that acts as an antagonist to adenosine.

nicotine A stimulant drug that is the major active component found in tobacco.

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 cocaine A powerful, addictive dopamine agonist derived from the leaves of the coca plant of South America

amphetamine A highly addictive drug that acts as a potent dopamine agonist

methamphetamine e A variation of amphetamine that is cheaply produced and widely abused in the United States.

ecstasy (MDMA) A close relative of amphetamine that produces its behavioral effects by stimulating the release of
serotonin.

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate An illegal liquid sedative that appears to affect the thresholds of response for a number of
(GHB) neurotransmitters.

morphine A compound extracted from opium, used to treat pain.

codeine An opium derivative used medicinally for cough suppression and pain relief

Opiates An active substance derived from the opium poppy.

endorphins A naturally occurring neuropeptide that is very closely related to opioids.

tetrahydrocannabinol The major ingredient of cannabis.

(THC)

anandamide A naturally occurring brain chemical that interacts with cannabinoid receptors

sn-2 arachidonylglycerol A possible candidate for a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the nervous system
(2-AG)

mescaline The active hallucinogenic ingredient found in the peyote cactus.

Phencyclidine (PCP) A hallucinogen that acts as an antagonist at the NMDA glutamate receptor

lysergic acid diethylamide A hallucinogenic drug that resembles serotonin.

(LSD)

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 St. John’s wort

St. John’s wort An herb that is frequently used to self treat mild depression