Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Excitatory neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that “excite” the neuron, cause it to “fire off,” and pass messages to the next cell. Also see Inhibitory Neurotransmitters. Excitatory neurotransmitters:

• Epinephrine and norepinephrine function both as neurotransmitters and as hormones, the latter stimulating the central nervous system.
• Acetylcholine governs muscle contractions and causes glands to secrete hormones—a  shortage is associated with Alzheimer’s disease, which affects memory formation.
• Glutamate is a major excitatory neurotransmitter, but too much can kill or damage neurons—it’s linked to Parkinson’s disease, stroke, seizures, and increased sensitivity to pain.
• Dopamine is both an excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter. Also see Dopamine.