receptors, neurotransmitter |
Cell surface receptors that bind signalling molecules released by neurons and convert these signals into intracellular changes influencing the behaviour of cells. Neurotransmitter is used here in its most general sense, including not only messengers that act to regulate ion channels, but also those which act on second messenger systems and those which may act at a distance from their release sites. Included are receptors for neuromodulators, neuroregulators, neuromediators, and neurohumors, whether or not located at synapses.
(12 Dec 1998) |
peptide neurotransmitter |
Small peptides used as primary or co transmitters in nerve cells for example FMRF amide, FLRFamide.
(18 Nov 1997) |
neurotransmitter |
Any of a group of substances that are released on excitation from the axon terminal of a presynaptic neuron of the central or peripheral nervous system and travel across the synaptic cleft to either excite or inhibit the target cell. Among the many substances that have the properties of a neurotransmitter are acetylcholine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, dopamine, glycine, y aminobutyrate, glutamic acid, substance P, enkephalins, endorphins and serotonin.
(18 Nov 1997) |
neurotransmitter agents |
Substances used for their pharmacological actions on any aspect of neurotransmitter systems. Neurotransmitter agents include agonists, antagonists, degradation inhibitors, uptake inhibitors, depleters, precursors, and modulators of receptor function.
(12 Dec 1998) |
neurotransmitters and neurotransmitter agents |
A collective grouping for neurotransmitters and substances that act on the neurotransmitter system.
(12 Dec 1998) |
neurotransmitter system |
A group of nerve cells that use the sameneurotransmitter to communicate.
(22 May 1997) |
neurotransmitter uptake inhibitors |
Drugs that inhibit the transport of neurotransmitters into axon terminals or into storage vesicles within terminals. For many transmitters, uptake determines the time course of transmitter action so inhibiting uptake prolongs the activity of the transmitter. Blocking uptake may also deplete available transmitter stores. Many clinically important drugs are uptake inhibitors although the indirect reactions of the brain rather than the acute block of uptake itself is often responsible for the therapeutic effects.
(12 Dec 1998) |