Neurotransmitters of the brain: serotonin, noradrenaline (norepinephrine), and dopamine

J Neurosci Nurs. 2000 Aug;32(4):234-8. doi: 10.1097/01376517-200008000-00008.

Abstract

Serotonin and noradrenaline strongly influence mental behavior patterns, while dopamine is involved in movement. These three substances are therefore fundamental to normal brain function. For this reason they have been the center of neuroscientific study for many years. In the process of this study, new understanding has been gained of the neurochemistry of several important mental health disorders, especially depression and schizophrenia, as well as epilepsy. Such knowledge offers new opportunities for advancements in neuropharmacology, for example, the development of new drugs specific to certain receptor types that will provide relief of symptoms for many sufferers.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain Chemistry / drug effects
  • Brain Chemistry / physiology*
  • Dopamine / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Neuropharmacology
  • Norepinephrine / physiology*
  • Receptors, Adrenergic / drug effects
  • Receptors, Adrenergic / physiology
  • Receptors, Dopamine / drug effects
  • Receptors, Dopamine / physiology
  • Receptors, Serotonin / drug effects
  • Receptors, Serotonin / physiology
  • Serotonin / physiology*

Substances

  • Receptors, Adrenergic
  • Receptors, Dopamine
  • Receptors, Serotonin
  • Serotonin
  • Dopamine
  • Norepinephrine