Amino acid neurotransmitter

Amino acid able to transmit nerve message across a synapse From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An amino acid neurotransmitter is an amino acid which is able to transmit a nerve message across a synapse. Neurotransmitters (chemicals) are packaged into vesicles that cluster beneath the axon terminal membrane on the presynaptic side of a synapse in a process called endocytosis.[1]

Activity at an axon terminal: Neuron A is transmitting a signal at the axon terminal to neuron B (receiving). Features: 1. Mitochondrion. 2. synaptic vesicle with neurotransmitters. 3. Autoreceptor. 4. Synapse with neurotransmitter released (serotonin). 5. Postsynaptic receptors activated by neurotransmitter (induction of a postsynaptic potential). 6. Calcium channel. 7. Exocytosis of a vesicle. 8. Recaptured neurotransmitter.

Amino acid neurotransmitter release (exocytosis) is dependent upon calcium Ca2+ and is a presynaptic response.

Types

Excitatory amino acids (EAA) will activate post-synaptic cells.[2] inhibitory amino acids (IAA) depress the activity of post-synaptic cells.[2]

More information Excitatory or inhibitory, Aspartic acid ...
Amino acid[3][4] Excitatory or inhibitory
Aspartic acid Excitatory
β-alanine Inhibitory
Cysteine Excitatory
GABA (adult human brain) Inhibitory (adult); excitatory (developing)
Glycine Inhibitory
Glutamic acid Excitatory
Homocysteine Excitatory
Taurine Inhibitory
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See also

References

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