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NEUROTRANSMITTERS
How do neurons “talk” to one another?
Neurotransmitters


Chemical messengers that carry neural messages
across synapses
Excitatory or inhibitory
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Important neurotransmitters:

Acetylcholine (Ach)
 Motor
movement
 Memory
 High
levels associated with manic behavior (jumpiness)
 Low levels associated with Alzheimer’s Disease

Dopamine
 Learning
 Pleasure
 Attention
 Movement
 Emotion
 Low
levels of dopamine associated with aggression,
Parkinson’s disease
 High levels associated with schizophrenia

TARDIVE DYSKINESIA

Serotonin
 Mood
 Lack
regulation
of serotonin is associated with clinical depression

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)
 Serves
 Low
inhibitory functions
levels associated with violence
 Associated with eating and sleep disorders

Endorphins (Endogenous morphine)
 Pain
regulation
Example:“runner’s high, accupuncture
 Irregular
levels involved in addictions

Norepinephrine
 Emotional
memories
 Helps control alertness and arousal
 Low
levels associated with memory problems
Neurotransmitters and Drugs

Agonists vs. Antagonists
Agonists

A drug that boosts the effect of a
neurotransmitter
Mimics neurotransmitter
or
 Blocks the reuptake of the neurotransmitter


Example: Black Widow Spider’s
Venom mimics acetylcholine
Other agonists

Prozac
 Blocks
reuptake of serotonin
Antagonist

A drug that blocks the effect of
a neurotransmitter
 Inhibits
the release of the
neurotransmitter or blocks receptor
site so message cannot be
“received”
 Curare
blocks acetylcholine causing
paralysis
Other antagonists

Botulin is also an antagonist for acetylcholine
Botox is a pure, isolated form
of botulin

Drugs to treat schizophrenia block the action of
dopamine at the synapse
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