Neurotransmitters work locally and their actions are very fast. Both hormones and neurotransmitters act as chemical messengers in the body. However, neurotransmitters' actions are short-lived while hormones act for longer periods of time. Neurotransmitters are delivered through the bloodstream, whereas hormones are found primarily in the synaptic cleft. Hormones are mostly released by glands, whereas neurotransmitters are made in the cell body of the neuron.