Neurotransmitter (null)

Neurotransmitters are endogenous chemical messengers that facilitate rapid signaling across synaptic gaps between neurons and other cells in the nervous system. They may be classified structurally as amino acids (e.g., glutamate, GABA), amines (e.g., dopamine, serotonin), peptides (e.g., substance P, endorphins), purines (e.g., ATP, adenosine), and gases (e.g., nitric oxide). These chemicals can be excitatory, inhibitory, or modulatory, regulating essential functions such as mood, attention, memory, movement, muscle control, and pain, and alterations in their pathways contribute to numerous neurological and psychiatric diseases.

Other names

chemical messengerbrain messengersignaling molecule in the nervous system

null for class; specific mechanisms depend on neurotransmitter (e.g., reuptake inhibition for SSRIs, receptor antagonism for antipsychotics, enzyme inhibition for cholinesterase inhibitors)