Neurotransmitters in the Central Nervous System: Basic Knowledge Revisited

Key Concepts

• Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses from neurons to target cells in the brain.
• Central Nervous System (CNS): Comprises the brain and spinal cord, where neurotransmitters play a crucial role in processing information.

Important Neurotransmitters

Classical Neurotransmitters

• Acetylcholine: First neurotransmitter discovered; involved in many functions including muscle stimulation and memory.
• Dopamine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine: Known for their roles in mood regulation and cognitive functions.

Atypical Neurotransmitters

• Nitric Oxide (NO): A gas that acts as a neurotransmitter; involved in the regulation of blood flow and neural communication.
• Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S): Another gaseous neurotransmitter with emerging significance in neural signaling.

Neurotransmitter Regulation

Dynamic Regulation

• Neurotransmitter production and release can change based on activity and environmental factors, which is crucial for nervous system homeostasis.
• Activity-dependent Regulation: Adjustments in neurotransmitter synthesis and release in response to neural activity.

Neurotransmitter Segregation

• Involves the separation of neurotransmitter types within neurons for precise signaling, affecting neural plasticity and function.

Historical Perspectives

Discovery and Development

• Henry Dale: Discovered acetylcholine, contributing to understanding of chemical synapses.
• Otto Loewi: Pioneered work in demonstrating chemical transmission across synapses.

Recent Advances

• Recent research highlights new roles for neurotransmitters in neuropsychiatric disorders and the potential for novel therapeutic approaches.

References and Further Reading

1. Baraano, D.E. et al. (2001). "Atypical neural messengers."
2. Borodinsky, L.N. et al. (2014). "Dynamic regulation of neurotransmitter specification."
3. Bredt, D.S. et al. (1990). "Localization of nitric oxide synthase indicating a neural role."
4. Kimura, H. (2015). "Signaling Molecules: Hydrogen Sulfide and Polysulfide."
5. Snyder, S.H. et al. (2000). "Novel Neurotransmitters and Their Neuropsychiatric Relevance."
6. Spitzer, N.C. (2012). "Activity-dependent neurotransmitter respecification."