Review Paper:
Potential Role
of Neurotransmitters in the Development of Brain Cognitive Functions
Murugan Mukilan
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(10); 361-368;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/2010rjbt3610368; (2025)
Abstract
Signal transmission is one of the important crucial phenomena responsible for the
communication between two different synaptic neurons (pre and postsynaptic neurons)
present in a brain region. This signal transmission is carried out by a specific
group of chemical substances called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are
produced from the metabolic byproducts (precursor neurochemicals) transmitted from
the gut to the central nervous system (CNS) through the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
Transmitted precursor neurochemicals are further used by the presynaptic neurons
for the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters for eliciting signal transmission with
postsynaptic neurons. Synthesized neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic
cleft for their binding with the postsynaptic neuronal receptors (PNR). The bound
neurotransmitter along with the PNR complex further result in the activation of
downstream signaling molecules (DSM) involved in various neuronal signaling pathways.
Activation of the DSM later results in the formation of cognitive memory against
an unexposed stimulus. Formed memory is used by the organism for the differentiation
of safe and unsafe stimuli in its living environment. In the present review, we
reported the biosynthesis pathways involved in the production of neurotransmitters
with the use of neuroactive chemicals and also stated the release and participation
of neurotransmitters in the formation of cognitive memory with the help of recent
findings. It also showed the effect of neurotransmitters in the development of cognitive
dysfunctions. Thus the present review may act as a suitable platform for knowing
the interrelationship of neurotransmitters and cognitive memory formation in a precise
manner.
