Neurotransmitter related Antibody Products

After neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft, they attach to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron to transmit the signal. However, sustained imbalances in neurotransmitter signaling are often associated with diseases like autism spectrum disorders. Amerigo Scientific offers antibodies related to neurotransmitters, which serve as essential tools for advancing neuroscience research. These antibodies support our valued customers in studying proteins associated with the pathogenesis of these conditions and can be applied in biomarker assays for early diagnosis.

Overview of Neurotransmitters

A neurotransmitter is a signaling molecule released by a neuron to influence a postsynaptic target cell across a synapse. Upon being released from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft, neurotransmitters engage with receptors on the target cell. The response elicited in the target cell is determined by the particular receptor with which the neurotransmitter interacts. Many neurotransmitters are derived from simple precursors like amino acids, which are abundant and often require minimal biosynthetic steps for conversion. Various neurotransmitters have been identified, and classified by their functions into excitatory, inhibitory, and modulatory types. Neurotransmitters are crucial for the functioning of complex neural systems.

Fig.1 Fundamental mechanism of neurotransmission illustrated.¹

Mechanisms of Neurotransmitter Work

Neurotransmitters primarily function to either inhibit or excite postsynaptic cell activity, facilitating neuronal communication through synapses. As an electrical impulse travels along a neuron, it induces the fusion of neurotransmitter-laden vesicles with the neuronal membrane. These neurotransmitters are then released from the axon terminal into the synaptic cleft, the fluid-filled gap between neurons and their target cells. Upon release, neurotransmitters attach to specific receptors on the target cell, triggering responses such as generating an electrical signal in another neuron, inducing muscle contraction, and stimulating hormone release from glandular cells. This process, termed neurotransmission, is fundamental to neural communication.

Fig.2 Schematic diagram of a synapse.Distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0, from Wiki, without modification.

Functions of Neurotransmitter

Neurotransmitters, such as dopamine (DA), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, and endocannabinoids, are synthesized in both the gut and brain, with 95% of serotonin produced in the gut. Neurotransmitters are pivotal in immune modulation and are associated with a wide array of neurological and psychiatric conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, mood disorders, and Parkinson's disease. Over 200 neurotransmitters have been identified, including amino acids like glutamate and D-serine, monoamines such as DA and serotonin, peptides, purines, and gases like nitric oxide. Acetylcholine (ACh) and GABA serve critical functions in the parasympathetic nervous system. Defects in neurotransmitter function are linked to various neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.

Fig.3 Depiction of major neurotransmitters with their functions and chemical structures.¹

Principal Targets in Neurotransmitter Research

Amerigo Scientific provides high-quality products for investigating biological signaling pathways associated with various neurotransmitter molecules. Synaptic failure and neurotransmitter dysfunction are recognized as fundamental contributors to numerous neurodegenerative diseases. The relevant targets and research reagents are presented below.

Amerigo Scientific offers a wide array of recombinant antibodies across different species, isotypes, and configurations. If the specific antibody you require is not available, our custom antibody engineering services are prepared to fulfill your needs. Explore our catalog of antibodies related to neurotransmitters, or contact us for inquiries or quotes. We are enthusiastic to assist you.