Neurohumoral Transmission in the CNS

Neurohumoral Transmission in the CNS

• Neurohumoral transmission refers to the chemical communication between neurons via neurotransmitters across synapses.
• Neurohumoral transmission in the CNS involves chemical messengers like neurotransmitters regulating brain signaling.

Steps in CNS Neurotransmission:

1. Synthesis of neurotransmitter in the presynaptic neuron.
2. Storage in synaptic vesicles.
3. Release into synaptic cleft via exocytosis (triggered by Ca²⁺ influx).
4. Binding to specific postsynaptic receptors.
5. Termination by:
   • Reuptake into presynaptic terminal (e.g., serotonin, dopamine).
   • Enzymatic degradation (e.g., ACh by acetylcholinesterase).
   • Diffusion away from synapse.

Types of Neurotransmitters

• Neurotransmitters can be broadly categorized into:
• Excitatory (e.g., Glutamate)
• Inhibitory (e.g., GABA, Glycine)
• Modulatory (e.g., dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine)
• Each neurotransmitter has specific receptors and associated second messenger pathways which determine the cellular response.

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