How Are Neurotransmitters Created?

Neurotransmitters are an important part of mood stability, behavior control and stress management. When discussing how neurotransmitters are created, it is important to first understand what a neurotransmitter is and what it does. Neurotransmitter function, creation and purpose may be difficult to understand, but an awareness of the function of neurotransmitters assists in understanding human behavior and character.

What is a Neurotransmitter?

• The composition of neurotransmitters includes molecules joined by chemical bonds acting as individual units. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that relay nerve impulses from one cell to another. Neurotransmitters must meet the following criteria: The molecules must be evenly distributed across the brain's regions and neurons, enzymes must be present in the areas of the brain with neurotransmitters and neurotransmitters must mimic electronic stimulation of neurons. Neurons are created inside neurons and remain in vesicles until activated.

What Do Neurotransmitters Do?

• Neurotransmitters are activated by the neurons and released into a gap between neurons. This gap is called a synapse. There are between 10 to 100 billion neurons within the human brain, and they transmit messages for every human reaction, emotion and behavior. The chemical messages that cause the electrical impulses -- which cause the reactions and behaviors -- are the neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters can cause the body to react to stimuli or ignore it.

How Are Neurotransmitters Created?

• Neurotransmitters are stored in the synaptic vesicles, or gaps between neurons. Neurotransmitters are created when synaptic vesicles attach to the pre-synaptic membranes, break open and spill into the synapse. Once in the synaptic cleft, the neurotransmitters attach to post-synaptic receptor sites, causing action in the membrane and detachment from the receptors. Neurotransmitters move quickly from neuron to neuron, so the attachment and detachment happens very quickly, as well. For example, the neurotransmitters in charge of pain are able to recognize a burn or paper cut almost instantaneously.

What Happens After Creation?

• Neurotransmitters become detached from the receptors and one of three things occurs. The neurotransmitter may diffuse through fluid, undergo re-uptake or be broken down by enzymes. According to the site All About Depression.com, scientists have discovered approximately 30 neurotransmitters, and at least three of these are related to low mood. Serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine have been shown to regulate emotion, mood, stress, appetite and sexual desire. Antidepressant medications may increase the level or of one or more of these neurotransmitters.