Neurotransmitters are the essential chemical messengers that underpin neurotransmission and neuronal communication. They enable communication between neurons, allowing for the transmission of signals across synapses and the integration of information throughout the nervous system. Neurotransmitters are released by the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft, a small gap between the presynaptic terminal and the postsynaptic neuron. When an action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal, it triggers the fusion of synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters with the plasma membrane. This fusion leads to the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, where they can bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. The binding of neurotransmitters to their receptors on the postsynaptic neuron initiates a series of events that can either excite or inhibit the postsynaptic neuron's activity. Excitatory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, promote the generation of an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron by causing the influx of positively charged ions, like sodium, into the neuron. In contrast, inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), induce the efflux of negatively charged ions, such as chloride, which decreases the likelihood of an action potential occurring. Neurotransmitters are classified into several categories based on their chemical structure and function. Amino acids, such as glutamate and GABA, are the most abundant neurotransmitters in the brain and are involved in cognition, learning, and motor control. Monoamines, including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, play roles in mood regulation, reward processing, and emotional responses. Acetylcholine is involved in muscle control, memory, and attention, whilst neuromodulator peptides, such as oxytocin and endorphins, are neuromodulators involved primarily in modulating pain perception, social bonding, and emotions. Key examples of neurotransmitters and their functions highlight their diverse roles in brain function. Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, playing a central role in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, regulates the overall level of neuronal excitation, contributing to the maintenance of neural circuits' stability and preventing excessive neuronal firing. Dopamine, a neuromodulator, is involved in the brain's reward system and is associated with motivation, pleasure, and reinforcement, with dysregulation of dopamine signalling implicated in addiction and certain neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Serotonin is involved in regulating mood, anxiety, and sleep, with imbalances in serotonin levels associated with mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Acetylcholine is essential for higher level cognitive functions, particularly in memory and attention with degeneration of acetylcholine-producing neurons a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, leading to memory impairment and cognitive decline. Finally, neuropeptides, such as oxytocin, play a role in social bonding and maternal behaviour and has a potential role in promoting trust and prosocial behaviours. Overall, the balance of neurotransmitters is crucial for maintaining proper brain function and health. Dysregulation of neurotransmitters can lead to a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. For example, decreased levels of dopamine are associated with Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairments whilst imbalances in serotonin have been linked to depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We offer a comprehensive product range of research reagents for investigating neurotransmitters, including ACTH antibodies, Tyrosine Hydroxylase antibodies, GAD65 antibodies, POMC ELISA Kits, and VIP ELISA Kits. Explore our full neurotransmitters product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Neuropeptides, Amino Acids, and Biogenic Amines product ranges.