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Non-noradrenergic, non-cholinergic transmitter

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

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

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

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