Non-noradrenergic, non-cholinergic transmitter

A non-noradrenergic, non-cholinergic transmitter (NANC) is a neurotransmitter of the enteric nervous system (ENS) that is neither acetylcholine, norepinephrine, nor epinephrine.

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	gastric nerves & Pelvic Nerve	erection gastric emptying
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 parasympathetic ganglia in sphincters, gallbladder and small intestine	vasodilation acetylcholine cotransmitter bronchodilation relaxation of intestinal smooth muscle and sphincters
GnRH	peptide	sympathetic ganglia	slow depolarization acetylcholine cotransmitter
substance P	peptide	sympathetic ganglia ENSs	slow depolarization acetylcholine cotransmitter
CGRP	peptide	non-myelinated sensory neurons	vasodilation increase vascular permeability neurogenic inflammation