Neurotransmitter system modulation

"Neurotransmitter system modulation" does not refer to a single molecular target, but rather describes the process by which various drugs or endogenous factors regulate entire networks of chemical messengers in the nervous system, including their synthesis, release, receptor binding/activation/inhibition/modulation at synapses throughout neural circuits. This can involve excitatory transmitters like glutamate and inhibitory ones like GABA as well as neuromodulators such as dopamine and serotonin. The term encompasses both direct actions at receptors/channels/transporters and indirect effects via enzymes that synthesize or degrade these molecules. Because it is not itself a discrete protein/receptor/enzyme/transporter but instead an umbrella concept describing how signaling between neurons can be pharmacologically altered for therapeutic effect—or disrupted in disease—this entry should not be considered an individual therapeutic target, but rather describes an important principle underlying much of neuropharmacology. "Neurochemical [or neurotransmitter] modulation refers to the process by which neurotransmitters are used to regulate...activities within the brain...involving complex interactions among transmitters themselves as well as their receptors and associated enzymes." "The landscape of drug targets in schizophrenia has historically centered on the modulation of key neurotransmitter systems."

Other names

Neurochemical modulationneuromodulationneurotransmitter modulationneurotransmitter systems regulation

Varies depending on the drug and neurotransmitter system; includes: Receptor agonism/antagonism; Reuptake inhibition; Enzyme inhibition affecting transmitter breakdown. These mechanisms alter synaptic concentrations or receptor activity for key neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, GABA.