W-2 Neurotransmitters
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NorephinephrinebyIvan.pptxNorepinephrine
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Function of norepinephrine
Norepinephrine is a brain chemical that acts as a stress hormone and a neurotransmitter.
This chemical is released into the blood when the brain perceives that something stressful has happened (Xing et al., 2016).
Alongside adrenaline, norepinephrine increase the heart rate and the pumping of blood into other parts of the body.
The neurotransmitter also breaks down fat as well as increasing blood pressure.
Finally, it mobilizes brain action, thus, improving energy and attentiveness.
Norepinephrine pathway of origin and projection
The origin of most norepinephrine pathways in the brain is the nucleus (Stahl, 2021).
When a stressful event occurs, neurons whose norepinephrine act as their transmitter project bilaterally from the locus coeruleus to the spinal cord, limbic system, cerebral cortex, and other parts of the body.
Synthesized by dopamine, norepinephrine is released by the noradrenergic neurons as a transmitter and by adrenal medulla as an hormone.
This neurotransmitter actions are then carried out through the binding to adrenergic receptors (Stahl, 2021).
As a neurotransmitter, it underlies the fight/flight response, increases heart rate, triggers glucose release from energy stores and increases blood flow in an individuals body.
And as a hormone, norepinephrine affects brain part that controls attention and response.
Is norepinephrine excitatory or inhibitory neurotransmitter?
Norepinephrine is an excitatory neurotransmitter.
Excitatory neurotransmitters are those that increases the likelihood for a neuron to fire an action potential (Ayano, 2016).
Norepinephrine activate receptors on the postsynaptic membrane to enable action potential impacts; thus, it is a excitatory neurotransmitter.
Behaviors associated with norepinephrine
Studies done have showed various roles of norepinephrine in the central nervous system.
Some of the behaviors associated with this neurotransmitter are;
Vigilance modulation.
Arousal.
Attention.
Motivation.
Reward.
Learning and memory (Stahl, 2021).
Norepinephrine is, therefore, an essential neurotransmitter in an individual’s body.
References
Ayano, G. (2016). Common neurotransmitters: Criteria for neurotransmitters, key locations, classifications and functions. Advances in Psychology and Neuroscience, 1(1), 1-5.
Stahl, S. M. (2021). Stahl's essential psychopharmacology: neuroscientific basis and practical applications. Cambridge university press.
Xing, B., Li, Y. C., & Gao, W. J. (2016). Norepinephrine versus dopamine and their interaction in modulating synaptic function in the prefrontal cortex. Brain research, 1641, 217-233.
