Difference between revisions of "Neurotransmitter"
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| − | '''Neurotransmitters''' are | + | '''Neurotransmitters''' are [[chemical]]s in the [[brain]] that communicate information between [[neuron]]s. Neurotransmitters are released from the [[presynaptic terminal]] of one neuron and cross the [[synaptic cleft]] (the space between neurons) before binding to a [[receptor]] on another neuron. Austrian scientist [[Otto Loewi]] discovered the first neurotransmitter, [[acetylcholine]], in 1921 while experimenting on [[frog]]s. |
== Neurotransmitter Guidelines == | == Neurotransmitter Guidelines == | ||
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*it must be found in a neuron | *it must be found in a neuron | ||
*it must be released when a neuron is stimulated | *it must be released when a neuron is stimulated | ||
| − | *when it is released it must bind to a receptor and cause a biological change | + | *when it is released it must [[binding|bind]] to a [[receptor]] and cause a biological change |
*after release the chemical must become inactive | *after release the chemical must become inactive | ||
| − | *when applied manually to post-synaptic membrane the chemical must have the same biological effect that it did when | + | *when applied manually to post-synaptic [[membrane]] the chemical must have the same biological effect that it did when released from a neuron |
[[category:neuroscience]] | [[category:neuroscience]] | ||
Revision as of 20:12, September 27, 2007
Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that communicate information between neurons. Neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic terminal of one neuron and cross the synaptic cleft (the space between neurons) before binding to a receptor on another neuron. Austrian scientist Otto Loewi discovered the first neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, in 1921 while experimenting on frogs.
Neurotransmitter Guidelines
To be considered a neurotransmitter, a chemical must meet most or all of the following criteria:
- it must be manufactured within a neuron
- it must be found in a neuron
- it must be released when a neuron is stimulated
- when it is released it must bind to a receptor and cause a biological change
- after release the chemical must become inactive
- when applied manually to post-synaptic membrane the chemical must have the same biological effect that it did when released from a neuron