Have you ever wondered how your body communicates with itself? Well, it does so through two crucial messengers: hormones and neurotransmitters. These tiny chemical molecules play a considerable role in how our bodies work and how we feel. Let’s dive into the world of hormones vs neurotransmitters to understand what sets them apart.
Hormones: The Body’s Slow Messengers
· Hormones are the class of signaling molecules responsible for conveying commands to the far-located organs of the body through a complex biological process to sustain the body’s physiology and homeostasis.
· There are various types of hormones depending on their structural formation. It includes steroid hormones (derived from cholesterol), polypeptide hormones (formed from the long chain of amino acids), amino acid hormones (derived from amino acids), and eicosanoids (derived from lipids).
· Hormones possess uncountable effects on the body, including regulation of growth, management of the sleep-wake cycle, regulation of metabolism, getting ready of the body for the new phase of life (puberty, pregnancy, menopause), thermoregulation, mood changes, etc.
· Hormones are metabolized after their action, so they are not reusable.
· There are two classes of hormones, i.e.,
Endocrine Hormones, which are released from the endocrine glands and pour into the bloodstream, reach the target site and initiate their action (pituitary gland, hypothalamus)
The other type is Exocrine Hormone released from exocrine glands, which pour their secretions through ducts to their target site (pancreas).
Neurotransmitters: The Rapid Fire Communicators
· Now, think of neurotransmitters as the fast-talking friends who send instant text messages to each other. These chemical messengers work within your nervous system to transmit signals across the nerve cells or neurons. Unlike hormones, neurotransmitters act quickly, helping your body respond to immediate situations.
· Neurotransmitters are signalling molecules that convey nerve impulses to the target cell across the synapse. The effector or target will be a neuron, gland, or cell membrane.
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· While (ii) Inhibitory neurotransmitters cause a decline in the ion flux across the membrane and inhibit the next post-synaptic neuron from generating an action potential.
· (iii) Modulatory neurotransmitters regulate the activity of other neurotransmitters across the synapse.
· Major classifications of neurotransmitters include Amino Acids (Glutamate), Monoamines (catecholamine: dopamine)(indolamine: serotonin), Peptides (oxytocin), purines (adenosine), etc.
· Synaptic vesicles are the storing sites for neurotransmitters in the presynaptic neuron. Upon electric stimulation, they are released into the synaptic cleft from the axonal end and reach the target receptors of the post-synaptic cell membrane or neuron.
Key Differences:
1. DEFINE
HORMONES:
Hormones are the regulatory molecules produced from the specific glands in the body that travel through blood or ducts to reach the site of action to initiate the action.
NEUROTRANSMITTER:
Neurotransmitters are the chemical molecules produced in the neuron ending. Upon electrical stimulation, it is released into the synaptic cleft and binds to the target receptor of the post-neuron.
2. RELATION
HORMONES:
Hormones are the secretion molecules of the endocrine system.
NEUROTRANSMITTER:
They are the messenger molecules of the nervous system.
3. NATURE
HORMONES:
Hormones are usually polypeptides, steroids, or amines in nature.
NEUROTRANSMITTER:
While they are proteins and amino acids in nature.
4. ORIGIN OF DELIVERY
HORMONES:
Hormones are released from the endocrine gland.
NEUROTRANSMITTERS:
Neurotransmitters are released from the axonal end of the presynaptic neuron.
5. MODE OF TRANSMISSION
HORMONES:
Hormones are transported through blood.
NEUROTRANSMITTERS:
Neurotransmitters are transmitted across the synaptic cleft.
6. OCCURRENCE
HORMONES:
Hormones are found in plants as well as animals.
NEUROTRANSMITTERS:
Neurotransmitters are found in animals only.
7. MOLECULE RECEPTOR BINDING
HORMONES:
When the hormone molecule binds to its specific receptor, it will initiate a signal transduction pathway, which later activates gene transcription and, as a consequence, boosts the expression of target proteins.
NEUROTRANSMITTERS:
Neurotransmitters, when bound to the receptor, will generate a signal that triggers the electrical impulse and regulates the ion channels, resulting in a net change in the membrane potential of the post-synaptic neuron.
8. SITE OF ACTION
HORMONES:
The target site for hormone molecule action is usually far from its origin site.
NEUROTRANSMITTERS:
Neurotransmitters have direct relevancy concerning their target cells.
9. RESPONSE DURATION
HORMONES:
Hormones require minutes to days to initiate a response.
NEUROTRANSMITTERS:
10. OUTCOMES
HORMONES:
Hormones are responsible for various outcomes, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
NEUROTRANSMITTERS:
Neurotransmitters are responsible for transmitting nerve impulses and muscle contraction.
11. TARGET STIMULANT
HORMONES:
Hormones are responsible for regulating the target organ or tissue.
NEUROTRANSMITTERS:
Neurotransmitters only stimulate the membrane of post-synaptic neurons.
12. NATURE OF SIGNALLING
HORMONES:
Hormone signaling action is a variable process that always depends upon the hormonal concentration, which indicates its intensity to target
NEUROTRANSMITTERS:
Neural transmission is an unflexible process. In healthy physiological conditions, a constant amount of neurotransmitter is being released.
13. HALFLIFE
HORMONES:
Hormones have a longer-lasting impact since they can linger in the body for a while.
NEUROTRANSMITTERS:
Neurotransmitter effects are short-lived because neurons quickly break down or reabsorb them.
14. MODE OF ELIMINATION
HORMONES:
Once they complete their task at the target site, Hormone molecules become destroyed. The breakdown is either through the liver’s hepatocytes or the target organ’s actual tissues. They are later eliminated through the kidneys.
NEUROTRANSMITTERS:
Neurotransmitters are removed from the synaptic cleft through one of the three mentioned mechanisms: (i) diffusion, (ii) enzyme degradation, and (iii) reuptake.
15. IMBALANCE ASSOCIATED DISORDERS
HORMONES:
Hormonal imbalance is associated with the inappropriate quantity of hormones in the bloodstream, which alter the physiology and cause various disorders, including diabetes insipidus, thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, etc.
NEUROTRANSMITTERS:
Neurotransmitters regulate each other. Any imbalance can cause various physical and mental disorders, including Parkinson’s, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and memory loss.
16. NATURE OF RECEPTORS
HORMONES:
Surface receptors for hormones are mainly G-protein coupled receptors.
NEUROTRANSMITTERS:
Receptors for neurotransmitters are ligand-gated ion channels (ionotropic ion channels).
17. EXAMPLE
HORMONES:
FSH, LH, TSH, Prolactin, EP, ADH, Cortisol, Testosterone, etc
NEUROTRANSMITTERS:
CONCLUSION:
Although hormones and neurotransmitters have different roles and speeds, they often work hand-in-hand to maintain your body’s balance. For example, when you’re stressed, your brain releases neurotransmitters like adrenaline to help you react quickly. Simultaneously, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol, which prepare your body for a more prolonged response.
In summary, hormones and neurotransmitters are both vital messengers in your body’s communication network. Hormones act slowly, affecting overall body functions, while neurotransmitters work quickly within the nervous system. They ensure your body functions smoothly and responds appropriately to various situations.
Understanding how these messengers work can help you appreciate the intricate processes inside your body daily. So, the next time you feel happy, stressed, or hungry, remember that hormones and neurotransmitters work together to keep you in balance.