Amino acids are the essential building blocks of proteins but also serve as neurotransmitters in the nervous system. They play diverse roles in neurotransmission, influencing communication between neurons and regulating various physiological processes. Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). It is involved in fast excitatory neurotransmission and plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Glutamate binds to ionotropic receptors, including AMPA, NMDA, and kainate receptors, leading to the influx of sodium and calcium ions and the generation of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs). Dysregulation of glutamate signalling has been implicated in various neurological disorders, including epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases. GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. It binds to GABA-A receptors, which are ligand-gated chloride channels, leading to an influx of chloride ions and hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane. This results in inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) and decreases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential. GABA plays a critical role in regulating neuronal excitability and maintaining the balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain. Dysfunction of GABAergic neurotransmission has been linked to conditions such as anxiety disorders and epilepsy. Glycine is another inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, particularly in the spinal cord and brainstem. Like GABA, glycine mediates its effects through ionotropic receptors that allow chloride ions to enter the postsynaptic neuron, resulting in IPSPs. Glycine receptors are essential for inhibitory neurotransmission in spinal reflex circuits, contributing to motor control and sensory processing. Serine is not typically considered a classical neurotransmitter, but it can function as a neuromodulator. It is involved in the synthesis of other important neurotransmitters, such as glycine and D-serine. D-serine is a co-agonist of the NMDA glutamate receptor and is critical for NMDA receptor function in certain brain regions, contributing to synaptic plasticity and learning. Aspartate is an excitatory neurotransmitter found in the CNS. It shares a receptor, the NMDA receptor, with glutamate, and activation of NMDA receptors can lead to calcium influx and synaptic plasticity. However, aspartate is less abundant and less extensively studied than glutamate as a neurotransmitter. Histamine is a neurotransmitter found in the CNS, where it acts as a neuromodulator. It is involved in regulating wakefulness and arousal and plays a role in memory and learning. Dysregulation of histaminergic signalling has been implicated in sleep disorders and certain neurological conditions. Taurine, meanwhile, is an amino acid that acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. It binds to GABA-A receptors and enhances GABAergic inhibition, contributing to its anxiolytic (anxiety alleviating) and sedative effects. Whilst glutamine is not a classical neurotransmitter, it is essential for the synthesis of glutamate and GABA. Glutamine is taken up by neurons and glial cells, where it is converted into glutamate and then GABA. This process is crucial for maintaining the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain. We offer a wide product range of research reagents for investigating amino acids, including GAD65 antibodies, Glutamine Synthetase antibodies, GRIK1 antibodies, Tryptophan Hydroxylase ELISA Kits, and Glutamine Synthetase ELISA Kits. Explore our full amino acids product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Glutamate, GABA, and Aspartate product ranges.