Neurotransmitters—Key Factors in Neurological and

• 27 August 2024

Review
Neurotransmitters—Key Factors in Neurological and
Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Central Nervous System
Raluca Ioana Teleanu 1,2, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu 3 , Eugenia Roza 1,2, Oana Vladâcenco 1,2, Alexandru
Mihai Grumezescu 3,4,5,* and Daniel Mihai Teleanu 2
1 Department of Pediatric Neurology, “Dr. Victor Gomoiu” Children’s Hospital, 022102 Bucharest, Romania;
raluca.teleanu@umfcd.ro (R.I.T.); eugenia.roza@umfcd.ro (E.R.); oana-aurelia.vladacenco@drd.umfcd.ro (O.V.)
2 “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; daniel.teleanu@umfcd.ro
3 Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of
Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; adelina.niculescu@upb.ro
4 Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
5 Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
* Correspondence: grumezescu@yahoo.com
Abstract: Neurotransmitters are molecules that amplify, transmit, and convert signals in cells, having
an essential role in information transmission throughout the nervous system. Hundreds of such
chemicals have been discovered in the last century, continuing to be identified and studied concerning
their action on brain health. These substances have been observed to influence numerous functions,
including emotions, thoughts, memories, learning, and movements. Thus, disturbances in neurotransmitters’
homeostasis started being correlated with a plethora of neurological and neurodegenerative
disorders. In this respect, the present paper aims to describe the most important neurotransmitters,
broadly classified into canonical (e.g., amino acids, monoamines, acetylcholine, purines, soluble
gases, neuropeptides) and noncanonical neurotransmitters (e.g., exosomes, steroids, D-aspartic acid),
and explain their link with some of the most relevant neurological conditions. Moreover, a brief
overview of the recently developed neurotransmitters’ detection methods is offered, followed by
several considerations on the modulation of these substances towards restoring homeostasis.
Keywords: neurotransmitters; neurological disorders; neurodegenerative disorders; neurotransmitters
detection; neurotransmitters modulation
1. Introduction
The central nervous system (CNS) processes information from and delivers information
to the peripheral nervous system through signal conduction from one neuron to
another via synapses. Thus, through synaptic transmission (also known as neurotransmission),
CNS can control smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscles, bodily secretions, and
organ functions [1].
An essential role in information transmission throughout the CNS and peripheral
nervous system is played by neurotransmitters (NTs), which are endogenous chemical
messengers that carry and amplify nerve-to-nerve signaling or signals between nerves
and other cell types. These small molecules are crucial for communicating sensory, motor,
and integrative neuronal messages, affecting many functions, such as emotions, thoughts,
memories, movements, and sleep patterns. These chemicals play essential roles in the
functioning of the brain, being fundamental regulators of neuronal growth, differentiation,
and survival. Consequently, abnormal levels of NTs are reflected in dysregulation of brain
functions, leading to various physical, psychotic, and neurodegenerative diseases [2–7].
In this context, a deeper understanding of NTs’ roles and actions is mandatory for
better assessing some of the most severe neurological disorders. Therefore, this review

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