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Neurotransmitters: chemical released from nerve endings that transmit impulses from one neuron (nerve cell) to another neuron or to a muscle cell. (BMA Family Health)

Neuropeptides: small proteins consisting of larger molecules than neurotransmitters (BMA Family Health); modulate the response of or to a neurotransmitter

Second messenger released inside the cell, where hormone-stimulating responses can take place

⁵= see Body Biochemical 2 test kit

Code	Name	Type	Location And Role	Comments
BB1	Acetylcholine/ Ach	neurotransmitter	at all nerve-muscle junctions as well as many other sites in the nervous system; contraction of skeletal muscles, control of sweat glands and heart beat; transmits messages between neurons in the brain and spinal cord.	myasthenia gravis and Alzheimer’s disease
BB2	Angiotensin I	protein	converted by angiotensin converting enzyme into angiotensin II	ACE inhibitor drugs work by reducing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
BB3	Angiotensin II	neuropeptide	produced from renin released by kidneys;  stimulates thirst; promotes release of aldosterone, which increases the rate of salt and water re-absorption from the kidneys; vasoconstriction of aerioles to increase blood pressure	ACE inhibitor drugs work by reducing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
BB4	Bilirubin	metabolic waste product	yellow pigment that is one of the end products of hemoglobin breakdown in the liver, spleen and bone marrow and is excreted as a waste material in the bile; associated with jaundice	products formed from the breakdown of bilirubin are responsible for the brown colour of stools
BB5	Bombesin	peptide	stimulates release of gastric and pancreatic hormones; contraction of the smooth muscles in gastric and urinary tract, and in the uterus; can inhibit the secretion of growth hormone; itching and lowered body temperature
BB6	Cathepsin C	enzyme	found in skin and bone cells, activates several of the chemicals controlling local immune and inflammatory responses; gum health; Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome (warty thickened skin, principally on hands and soles of feet; periodontitis and gingivitis)
BB7	Cholesterol	lipid	from food and also synthesized in liver; most abundant steroid in animal tissue; synthesis of steroid hormones and bile salts; stabilizing cell membranes
BB8	Complement C7	protein	in blood; part of non-specific resistance and immunity; enhance allergic and inflammatory reactions; with other complement proteins forms large holes in the microbe, allowing fluid to flow in and the microbe then bursts	one of at least 20 different proteins
BB9	C-reactive protein	protein	elevated levels indicate an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in the future; necessary for acute stage of inflammation but inappropriate for chronic stage; effective against bacteria, parasites and immune complexes; synthesized by liver
BB10	Cyclic Adenosine-3’,5’ – monophospate/ Cyclic AMP		formed from ATP by action of adenylate cyclase5; serves as second messenger for some hormones; increase in cAMP  causes adipose cells to break down triglycerides and release fatty acids more rapidly; stimulates thyroid cells to secrete more thyroid hormone
BB11	Cyclic Guanosine-3’,5’ – monophospate/ Cyclic GMP		mediation of certain hormones and neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, prostaglandins and histamine; involved in light/dark adaptation of the eye
BB12	Dopamine/Da	neurotransmitter	in parts of the brain that control subconscious movement of skeletal muscles; regulating muscle tone;  increases the efficiency of the heartbeat and helps return the blood pressure to normal; involved in emotional responses	decreased levels associated with Parkinson’s disease; may be involved with schizophrenia, ADD, autism, and  La Tourette's syndrome
BB13	Dynorphin A	neuropeptide	in brain and small intestine; may be related to controlling pain and registering emotions
BB14	b- Endorphin (Beta Endorphin)	neuropeptide	in brain, spinal cord, pancreas and testes; control of sensitivity to pain by inhibiting substance P;   control of body’s response to stress; regulation of contraction of intestinal wall; affects mood; may also regulate the release of hormones from the pituitary gland; may have a role in memory and learning, sexual activity and control of body temperature	morphine has a similar chemical structure; linked to depression and schizophrenia
BB15	Histamine	biogenic amine	in cells, mainly mast cells throughout the body, released during an allergic reaction and inflammation; narrows bronchi in lungs, increases permeability of blood vessels, lowers blood pressure,  causes itching and stimulates production of acid in the stomach; secretion of digestive juices; Carl Pfeiffer has suggested too much histamine is involved in some forms of alcoholism	May be implicated in some types of schizophrenia
BB16	Hyaluronic Acid	combination of polysaccarides and proteins	extra-cellular, viscous material that binds cells together, lubricates joints and maintains shape of the  eye ball; may help phagocytes migrate through connective tissue during development and wound healing	co-factors are N-acetyl glucosamine and glucuronic acid
BB17	Hydrochloric Acid	acid	produced by gastric glands in the stomach to aid protein digestion  by preparing proteins for the later stages of digestion; also prevents bacterial growth in the stomach	excessive acid production may be stimulated by stress or tobacco smoking
BB18	Interferon/ alpha-interferon,/ Intron A	protein	fight infection; made by certain white blood cells; naturally produced by virus-infected host cells that induce unaffected cells to synthesize antiviral proteins  and so stops many viruses from replicating within body cells	have been used to treat cancer, immunodeficiency disorders,  chronic infection with hepatitis B & C and chronic genital herpes; 2 other types – beta and gamma;
BB19	Myoglobin	protein	found only in muscle fibres; binds oxygen molecules that are needed for ATP production within mitochondria
BB20	Pyruvic Acid	carbohydrate	a by-product of glycolysis (production of ATP from glucose); may be converted into lactic acid, alanine or oxaloacetic acid
BB21	Serotonin/ 5-Ht	neurotransmitter	in parts of the brain, blood platelets, lining of digestive tract; concerned with conscious processes, involved in controlling states of consciousness and mood; sensory perception; temperature regulation; released at site of bleeding to constrict small blood vessels and control blood loss;  inhibits gastric secretion and stimulates smooth muscles in the intestinal wall; inducing sleep; inhibits release of prolactin; decreases carbohydrate cravings; provides a feeling of fullness; enhances mood	action in brain disrupted by some hallucinogenic  drugs, particularly LSD; excess serotonin implicated in Raynaud’s disease
BB22	Serum Amyloid P Component	protein	accumulates in extra-cellular spaces of many organs in association with different disease processes; inhibits elastase (enzyme concerned with breakdown of protein); necessary for acute stage of inflammation but inappropriate for chronic stage; removes cholesterol and lipid debris from areas of trauma; causes thickening of connective tissue	implicated in Alzheimer’s disease
BB23	Substance P	neuropeptide	in sensory nerves, spinal cord and parts of brain associated with pain – enhances perception of pain; stimulates motility of the intestines; stimulates saliva production and inflammatory responses in tissues	endorphins inhibit Substance P; counters the effect of certain nerve-damaging chemicals, so may prove useful as treatment for nerve degeneration
BB24	Transferrin	protein	in blood, transports iron; inhibits the growth of certain bacteria by reducing the amount of available iron.
BB25	Urea	waste product	waste product of the breakdown of proteins; the main nitrogenous constituent of urine; formed in the body from the break down of cell proteins	used in some creams and ointments to moisturise and soften the skin

References:
Linda Lazarides Nutritional Health Bible
Thomas A Scott & E Ian Mercer Concise Encyclopedia Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
William H Elliott & Daphne C Elliott Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
British Medical Association The BMA Complete Family Health Encyclopedia
Gerard Tortora and Sandra Reynolds Grabowski Principles of Anatomy & Physiology
Candace Pert Molecules Of Emotion
Various web sites
Some information supplied by R A Holding DO

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© Jane Thurnell-Read