Non-noradrenergic, non-cholinergic transmitter

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A non-noradrenergic, non-cholinergic transmitter (NANC) is a neurotransmitter of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) that is neither of the main two PNS transmitters, i.e. noradrenaline and acetylcholine.

Comparison table

This table compares different NANCs in the PNS:

Neurotransmitter Type Location[1] Function[1]
ATP non-peptide postganglionic sympathetic neurons (e.g. in blood vessels & vas deferens) Fast depolarization/contraction (vasoconstriction)
GABA non-peptide ENSs peristalsis
5-HT non-peptide ENSs peristalsis
dopamine non-peptide some SNSs (e.g. kidney) vasodilation
NO non-peptide pelvic nerves & gastric nerves
NPY peptide postganglionic sympathetic neurons (e.g. blood vessels)
  • enhance vasoconstrictor action of noradrenaline
  • noradrenaline release inhibitor
VIP peptide
  • parasympathetic nerves to salivary glands
  • NANC innervation to smooth muscle of airways
GnRH peptide sympathetic ganglia
  • slow depolarization
  • acetylcholine cotransmitter
substance P peptide
  • slow depolarization
  • acetylcholine cotransmitter
CGRP peptide non-myelinated sensory neurons

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Unless else specified in table, then ref is: Rang, H. P. (2003). Pharmacology. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 0-443-07145-4. Page 132