Acetylcholine, Dopamine, Serotonin, GABA, Glutamate
Start with the big picture
The lesson organizes neurotransmitters around their biochemical pathways and actions. Acetylcholine is synthesized from choline and acetyl-CoA and degraded by acetylcholinesterase; its nicotinic and muscarinic receptors differ in signaling. Dopamine and serotonin are formed from amino-acid precursors, with distinct pathways, receptor families, and functions. GABA, made from glutamate, is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, whereas glutamate is the principal excitatory neurotransmitter and is cleared by astrocytic transporters. Clinical connections include changes in neurotransmitter activity associated with conditions such as Parkinson disease, depression, seizures, and cholinergic crisis. Together, these comparisons help link synthesis, receptor action, and clinical significance.
What you'll learn
- Describe the synthesis and degradation of acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and glutamate.
- Distinguish the major receptor types and signaling actions associated with these neurotransmitters.
- Identify key sites, pathways, and functions of acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin.
- Compare the inhibitory role of GABA with the excitatory role of glutamate.
- Connect selected neurotransmitter changes with clinical conditions and pharmacologic effects.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
