2006-12-22 04:33:08 · 4 answers · asked by cajohnson667 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
It has been widely believed that each type of neuron contains only one type of vessicle, and therfore each type of neuron releases only one type of neurotransmitter. Recent research has questioned this idea, and it may be that each type of neuron has two types of vessicles and two types of neurotransmitters.
2006-12-22 05:13:03 · answer #1 · answered by formerly_bob 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that there are cases in which one single neuron can release different transmitters based on the rate of action potential firing that comes down the axon. However, this is quite rare. The key is that there is the central nervous system, and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system uses glutamate and GABA as it excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, respectively. The peripheral nervous system uses acetylcholine and glycine as its excitatorz and inhibitory neurotransmitters respectively. So it would be unlikely for a single neuron which is serving either an inhibitory or excitatory purpose to release two neurotransmitters. I think this happens more with peptide neurotransmitters, and in the neuroendocrine cells.
2006-12-22 06:43:00 · answer #2 · answered by shachar86 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think usually single neuron can only release one type of neurotransmitter. However, of course there are exceptions, there are some neurons in combination can release more than one neurotransmitters such as neuron-interneuron.
2006-12-22 05:17:40 · answer #3 · answered by Dr. Zoo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, many neurons release one or more peptide neurotransmitters in addition to a classical neurotransmitter.
2006-12-22 06:51:33 · answer #4 · answered by molgen2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋