A natural neuroactive substance (NAS) is a chemical synthesized by neurons that affects the actions of other neurons or muscle cells. Natural neuroactive substances include neurotransmitters, neurohormones, and neuromodulators. Neurotransmitters work only between adjacent neurons through synapses. Neurohormones are released into the blood and work at a distance. Some natural neuroactive substances act as both transmitters and as hormones.
References
- Hoyle G (1985). "Neurotransmitters, Neuromodulators, and Neurohormones". In Balthazar J, Gilles R (eds.). Neurobiology Current Comparative Approaches. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg. pp. 264–279. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-87599-1_17. ISBN 978-3-642-87599-1.
2.1 Natural Neuroactive Substance (NAS): A chemical agent synthesized by a neuron which affects the properties of other neurons and/or muscle cells. 2.2 Neurotransmitter (NT). 2.3 Neuromodulator (NM). 2.4 Neurohormone (NH)