Fiona's
Database

At all nerve-muscle junctions as well as many other sites in the nervous system; contraction of skeletal muscles, control of sweat glands and heart beat;
transmits messages between neurons in the brain and spinal cord.

Converted by angiotensin converting enzyme into angiotensin II.

Produced from renin released by kidneys;
stimulates thirst;
promotes release of aldosterone, which increases the rate of salt and water re-absorption from the kidneys;
vasoconstriction of aerioles to increase blood pressure

Yellow pigment that is one of the end products of haemoglobin breakdown in the liver, spleen and bone marrow and is excreted as a waste material in the bile;
associated with jaundice.

Stimulates release of gastric and pancreatic hormones;
contraction of the smooth muscles in gastric and urinary tract, and in the uterus;
can inhibit the secretion of growth hormone;
itching and lowered body temperature.

Found in skin and bone cells, activates several of the chemicals controlling local immune and inflammatory responses;
gum health;
Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome (warty thickened skin, principally on hands and soles of feet;
periodontitis and gingivitis).

From food and also synthesised in liver;
most abundant steroid in animal tissue;
synthesis of steroid hormones and bile salts;
stabilising cell membranes.

In blood;
part of non-specific resistance and immunity;
enhance allergic and inflammatory reactions;
with other complement proteins forms large holes in the microbe, allowing fluid to flow in and the microbe then bursts.

Necessary for acute stage of inflammation but inappropriate for chronic stage;
effective against bacteria, parasites and immune complexes; synthesised by liver.

Formed from ATP by action of adenylate cyclase;
serves as second messenger for some hormones;
increase in cAMP causes adipose cells to break down triglycerides and release fatty acids more rapidly;
stimulates thyroid cells to secrete more thyroid hormone.

Mediation of certain hormones and neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, prostaglandins and histamine; involved in light/dark adaptation of the eye.

In parts of the brain that control subconscious movement of skeletal muscles;
regulating muscle tone;
increases the efficiency of the heartbeat and helps return the blood pressure to normal;
involved in emotional responses.

In brain and small intestine;
may be related to controlling pain and registering emotions.

In brain, spinal cord, pancreas and testes;
control of sensitivity to pain by inhibiting substance P;
control of body’s response to stress;
regulation of contraction of intestinal wall;
affects mood; may also regulate the release of hormones from the pituitary gland;
may have a role in memory and learning, sexual activity and control of body temperature

in cells, mainly mast cells throughout the body, released during an allergic reaction and inflammation;
narrows bronchi in lungs, increases permeability of blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, causes itching and stimulates production of acid in the stomach;
secretion of digestive juices;
Carl Pfeiffer has suggested too much histamine is involved in some forms of alcoholism

Produced by gastric glands in the stomach to aid protein digestion by preparing proteins for the later stages of digestion;
also prevents bacterial growth in the stomach.

Produced by gastric glands in the stomach to aid protein digestion by preparing proteins for the later stages of digestion;
also prevents bacterial growth in the stomach.

Fight infection;
made by certain white blood cells;
naturally produced by virus-infected host cells that induce unaffected cells to synthesise anti-viral proteins and so stops many viruses from replicating within body cells.

Found only in muscle fibres;
binds oxygen molecules that are needed for ATP production within mitochondria.

A by-product of glycolysis (production of ATP from glucose);
may be converted into lactic acid, alanine or oxaloacetic acid.

In parts of the brain, blood platelets, lining of digestive tract;
concerned with conscious processes, involved in controlling states of consciousness and mood;
sensory perception;
temperature regulation;
released at site of bleeding to constrict small blood vessels and control blood loss;
inhibits gastric secretion and stimulates smooth muscles in the intestinal wall;
inducing sleep;
inhibits release of prolactin;
decreases carbohydrate cravings;
provides a feeling of fullness;
enhances mood

Accumulates in extra-cellular spaces of many organs in association with different disease processes;
inhibits elastase (enzyme concerned with breakdown of protein);
necessary for acute stage of inflammation but inappropriate for chronic stage;
removes cholesterol and lipid debris from areas of trauma;
causes thickening of connective tissue

In sensory nerves, spinal cord and parts of brain associated with pain – enhances perception of pain;
stimulates motility of the intestines;
stimulates saliva production and inflammatory responses in tissues.

In blood, transports iron; inhibits the growth of certain bacteria by reducing the amount of available iron.