Code | Name | Type | Location And Role | Comments |
BB1 | Acetylcholine/ Ach | neurotransmitter | 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. | myasthenia gravis and Alzheimer’s disease; nicotine mimics this neurotransmitter |
BB2 | Angiotensin I | protein | converted by angiotensin converting enzyme into angiotensin II | ACE inhibitor drugs work by reducing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II |
BB3 | Angiotensin II | neuropeptide | 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 | ACE inhibitor drugs work by reducing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II |
BB4 | Bilirubin | metabolic waste product | yellow pigment that is one of the end products of hemoglobin breakdown in the liver, spleen and bone marrow and is excreted as a waste material in the bile; associated with jaundice | products formed from the breakdown of bilirubin are responsible for the brown colour of stools |
BB5 | Bombesin | peptide | 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 | |
BB6 | Cathepsin C | enzyme | 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) | |
BB7 | Cholesterol | lipid | from food and also synthesized in liver; most abundant steroid in animal tissue; synthesis of steroid hormones and bile salts; stabilizing cell membranes | |
BB8 | Complement C7 | protein | 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 | one of at least 20 different proteins |
BB9 | C-reactive protein | protein | elevated levels indicate an increased risk of heart attack and stroe in the future; necessary for acute stage of inflammation but inappropriate for chronic stage; effective against bacteria, parasites and immune complexes; synthesized by liver | |
BB10 | Cyclic Adenosine-3’,5’ – monophospate/ Cyclic AMP | | formed from ATP by action of adenylate cyclase5; 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 | |
BB11 | Cyclic Guanosine-3’,5’ – monophospate/ Cyclic GMP | | mediation of certain hormones and neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, prostaglandins and histamine; involved in light/dark adaptation of the eye | |
BB12 | Dopamine/Da | neurotransmitter | 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 | decreased levels associated with Parkinson’s disease; may be involved with schizophrenia, ADD, autism, and La Tourette's syndrome |
BB13 | Dynorphin A | neuropeptide | in brain and small intestine; may be related to controlling pain and registering emotions | |
BB14 | b- Endorphin (Beta Endorphin) | neuropeptide | 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 | morphine has a similar chemical structure; linked to depression and schizophrenia |
BB15 | Histamine | biogenic amine | 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 | May be implicated in some types of schizophrenia |
BB16 | Hyaluronic Acid | combination of polysaccarides and proteins | extra-cellular, viscous material that binds cells together, lubricates joints and maintains shape of the eye ball; may help phagocytes migrate through connective tissue during development and wound healing | co-factors are N-acetyl glucosamine and glucuronic acid |
BB17 | Hydrochloric Acid | acid | 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 | excessive acid production may be stimulated by stress or tobacco smoking |
BB18 | Interferon/ alpha-interferon,/ Intron A | protein | fight infection; made by certain white blood cells; naturally produced by virus-infected host cells that induce unaffected cells to synthesize antiviral proteins and so stops many viruses from replicating within body cells | have been used to treat cancer, immunodeficiency disorders, chronic infection with hepatitis B & C and chronic genital herpes; 2 other types – beta and gamma; |
BB19 | Myoglobin | protein | found only in muscle fibres; binds oxygen molecules that are needed for ATP production within mitochondria | |
BB20 | Pyruvic Acid | carbohydrate | a by-product of glycolysis (production of ATP from glucose); may be converted into lactic acid, alanine or oxaloacetic acid | |
BB21 | Serotonin/ 5-Ht | neurotransmitter | 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 | action in brain disrupted by some hallucinogenic drugs, particularly LSD; excess serotonin implicated in Raynaud’s disease |
BB22 | Serum Amyloid P Component | protein | 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 | implicated in Alzheimer’s disease |
BB23 | Substance P | neuropeptide | 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 | endorphins inhibit Substance P; counters the effect of certain nerve-damaging chemicals, so may prove useful as treatment for nerve degeneration |
BB24 | Transferrin | protein | in blood, transports iron; inhibits the growth of certain bacteria by reducing the amount of available iron. | |
BB25 | Urea | waste product | waste product of the breakdown of proteins; the main nitrogenous constituent of urine; formed in the body from the break down of cell proteins | used in some creams and ointments to moisturise and soften the skin |
