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Abstract
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Plants possess a complex signaling system that enables them to sense and adapt to various
environmental stressors, including abiotic factors like extreme temperatures, drought, salinity, and
toxic heavy metals. While the roles of hormones and signaling molecules in plant stress responses
are well established, the involvement of neurotransmitters—traditionally linked to animal nervous
systems—in plant stress physiology is a relatively underexplored area. Recent findings indicate
that neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, serotonin, and dopamine play
crucial roles in several physiological processes within plants. They regulate ion channels, adjust
stomatal movements, modulate the production of reactive oxygen species, and influence gene expression. Evidence suggests that these neurotransmitters enhance antioxidant defense mechanisms and
regulate stress-responsive pathways vital for plant stress tolerance. Additionally, under stressful conditions, neurotransmitters have been shown to impact plant growth, development, and reproductive
activities. This review aims to illuminate the emerging understanding of neurotransmitters as key
biomediators in plant responses to abiotic stress.
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