Neurons

Also known as:  Neurones;  Nerve Cells

Neurons are specialized Cells of the Nervous System.

Nervous System

 Neurotransmitters are stored in and released from the Presynaptic Membrane of the Synaptic Bulb of the Axon of Neurons to transmit Nerve Impulses across Synapses (synaptic clefts) and are then received by and bind to Receptors specific to each type of Neurotransmitter on the Dendrites of other Neurons.

 The transmission of Nerve Impulses through the Dendrites of the Brain's Neurons is integral to Mental Function and Learning.

Traditionally it was asserted that the Brain has only a finite number of Neurons and that they do not reproduce.  This theory is now refuted.

Hormones

 Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) stimulates the growth endogenous Proteins that in turn stimulate the growth of new Neurons:  ^[1]

 NGF stimulates the growth of Cholinergic Neurons (i.e. Neurons that are stimulated by Acetylcholine).  In studies conducted on rats and primates, intraventricular administration of NGF has produced trophic actions on Cholinergic Neurons and has prevented age-related atrophy of Cholinergic Neurons.

Physical Environment

 It is now believed that a Stimulating or Enriched Physical Environment can stimulate the reproduction of new Neurons within the Brain:

 Some studies have shown that the Brain weight and number of Neurons in old and young rats increased in response to them being provided with a more enriched/challenging environment.

Amino Acids

 Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) may stimulate and maintain the growth of new Neurons within the Brain (both independently of NGF and as a result of preserving Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)) and reduces the accumulation of Lipofuscin within Neurons:  ^[2]

 ALC may increase the responsiveness of Neurons to Neurotrophic Factors.

 Asparagine may be a source of Energy to the body's Neurons - it releases Energy during its conversion back to Aspartic Acid within the body.

 Carnitine may prevent Ammonia-induced degeneration of Neurons.  ^[3]

 Glutamic Acid (in its role as a stimulatory Neurotransmitter and Energy source for the Brain) may enhance "communication" between Neurons: 

 However caution is warranted when supplementing with Glutamic Acid as excessive Glutamic Acid may damage Neurons.

 Pyroglutamate may protect Neurons against the toxic effects of excessive Glutamic Acid.  ^[4]

 S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) may be an essential factor for the regeneration of Axons on Neurons following injury and may help to prevent the death of Neurons during periods of Anoxia (absence of Oxygen).  ^[5]

 Spermine concentrates in Neurons.

 Theanine may inhibit the ability of excessive Glutamic Acid to damage Neurons.  ^[6]

Enzymes

 Endogenous Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) may help to prevent damage to Neurons.  ^[7]

Growth Factors

 Neurotrophic Factors are believed to stimulate the activity and regeneration of Neurons.

Hormones

 DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS) may facilitate the survival of Neurons and may increase the number of Neurons in the Brain:  ^[8]

 DHEA may counteract the ability of elevated Corticosterone to damage the Neurons of the Hippocampus.

 Estradiol 17-Beta may protect Neurons from apoptosis (cell death) caused by various Neurotoxins (including Amyloid-Beta Protein, excessive Glutamic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide Free Radicals).  ^[9]

 Melatonin may protect Neurons from apoptosis (cell death) caused by Singlet Oxygen Free Radicals.  ^[10]

Lipids

 Gangliosides concentrate in the Myelin Sheaths of the Axons of Neurons.

 Ginsenoside Rb1 may protect the Neurons of the Hippocampus from the toxic excitotoxin effects of excessive Glutamic Acid.  ^[11]