Messenger Substance – Definition, Types and Functions
Messenger substances are chemical signaling molecules in the body that transmit information between cells, organs, and the nervous system. They regulate vital functions such as mood, metabolism, and immune defense.
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Messenger substances are chemical signaling molecules in the body that transmit information between cells, organs, and the nervous system. They regulate vital functions such as mood, metabolism, and immune defense.
What Is a Messenger Substance?
A messenger substance is a chemical compound that transmits signals between cells, tissues, or organs. In medicine and biology, the term serves as an umbrella for several classes of signaling molecules, including neurotransmitters, hormones, and cytokines. Without messenger substances, the coordinated functioning of the human body would not be possible.
Types of Messenger Substances
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are messenger substances of the nervous system. They are released at synapses – the junctions between nerve cells – and transmit signals from one neuron to the next or to muscle cells. Well-known neurotransmitters include:
- Serotonin: regulates mood, sleep, and appetite
- Dopamine: controls motivation, reward, and motor coordination
- Acetylcholine: essential for muscle control and memory
- GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid): inhibits nerve activity and has a calming effect
- Glutamate: the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain
- Noradrenaline: involved in stress responses and attention
Hormones
Hormones are messenger substances of the endocrine system. They are produced by glands such as the thyroid, pancreas, or adrenal glands and travel through the bloodstream to their target organs. Examples include insulin (regulates blood sugar), adrenaline (stress hormone), and oestrogen (female sex hormone).
Cytokines
Cytokines are messenger substances of the immune system. They coordinate immune responses, inflammatory processes, and cell communication. They include interleukins, interferons, and tumor necrosis factors.
Second Messengers
In addition to classical messenger substances, so-called second messengers exist. These are produced inside a cell in response to an external signal and relay the message within the cell. Well-known second messengers include cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) and calcium ions.
Functions of Messenger Substances
Messenger substances perform a wide range of vital tasks in the body:
- Regulation of mood and emotional well-being
- Control of sleep, hunger, and satiety
- Coordination of muscle movements
- Management of blood sugar and hormonal metabolism
- Regulation of inflammatory and immune responses
- Transmission of pain signals
Messenger Substances and Disease
An imbalance in messenger substance levels can cause or contribute to various diseases. A deficiency of serotonin and dopamine is associated with depression. Insufficient dopamine in specific brain regions is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. A disrupted insulin balance leads to diabetes mellitus. Excess levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines play a role in autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation.
Influencing Messenger Substances Through Medication
Many medications act specifically on messenger substance systems. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase the availability of serotonin in the brain. L-Dopa is used in Parkinson's disease to raise dopamine levels. Beta-blockers inhibit the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline on the heart. By precisely targeting messenger substance pathways, many diseases can be effectively managed.
References
- Kandel ER, Schwartz JH, Jessell TM et al. – Principles of Neural Science, 5th edition. McGraw-Hill Education, 2013.
- Silbernagl S, Despopoulos A – Color Atlas of Physiology, 6th edition. Thieme, 2009.
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Neuroscience of psychoactive substance use and dependence. WHO Press, Geneva, 2004. Available at: https://www.who.int
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