Modulators in neurotransmitter metabolism

Due to their modulating effect between excitatory and inhibitory activity, taurine, L-theanine and histamine perform an important function in neurotransmitter metabolism. Taurine plays an important role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Taurine regulates calcium binding and transport, maintains retinal function and is involved in the formation of bile salts. L-theanine is a derivative of the neurotransmitter glutamic acid. L-theanine is neuroprotective, lowers blood pressure and norepinephrine levels, increases intracerebral dopamine concentrations and dopamine release. Histamine acts as a tissue hormone and indirectly influences the secretion of numerous neurotransmitters. Histamine increases both the availability of catecholamines (excitatory) and that of serotonin (inhibitory).