Premium Essay

Neurotransmitters In Research Paper

Submitted By
Words 861
Pages 4
Neurotransmitters are used by the brain to communicate with itself and the nervous system; they are released and received by the brains many nerves cells also called neurons. Neurotransmitters are used for neurons to communicate with each other, communication between neurons is continuous. This communication system is essential to all of the brain's functions. (Nemade, et al,2007). Neurotransmitters are endogenous chemicals that are located in the synaptic vesicles found in the synaptic knob in the presynaptic part of the synapse. Serotonin is an example of a neurotransmitter.
5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) also known as Serotonin, is a monoamine which is made in a biochemical conversion process using tryptophan. 80-90% of 5-HT in the body is …show more content…
An electrical impulse travels down the pre-synaptic neuron, this stimulates an influx of calcium ions which promotes the movement of vesicles containing 5-HT to move and bound to the membrane of the pre-synaptic knob. 5-HT is then released into the synapse and they bind to specific receptors on the post-synaptic neuron this causes them to change shape allowing sodium ions to move into the neuron this causes the electrical impulse to be carried down the next neuron. For the process of communication to be efficient reuptake of 5-HT has to occur, this is done by the 5-HTT protein which transports 5-HT back into the pre-synaptic neuron. There are many 5-HT receptors differing in structure and functions they have been divided into seven groups. (Pauwels 2003) Most of these receptors transmit signals through G proteins. (Dukat et al 2000) Two examples of these receptors are: 5-HT1A and 5-HT4.
There are two functions of 5-HT1A receptors they can be autoreceptors in the raphe nuclei or postsynaptic receptors in areas of the brain responsible for motivation, emotion and memory. The stimulation of these receptors faciliatate acetylcholine (ACh) and noradrenaline (NA); ACh stimulates muscle movement and noradrenaline plays a major role in the sympathetic nervous system. (Bader

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Dopamine Research Paper

...more complex is the neurotransmitters that make these reactions happen. In specific, dopamine is an important hormone and neurotransmitter that was found in 1957 that has since then become a very important drug in many applications....

Words: 789 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Hca 240 Mental Illness Paper Wk 8

...have decided to write my paper on General Anxiety Disorder because I myself have it, so I am more familiar with it. GAD (general anxiety disorder) is when an individual suffers from a psychological state where they have persisting thoughts of anticipation and fears that are overwhelming their mind and intern it affects the body as well. It is a disorder that is characterized by excessive, exaggerated worry about everyday life with really no reason to worry. There are many types of anxiety disorders which are panic, general anxiety disorder, phobias, and obsessive compulsive (OCD). Every one experiences anxiety at certain times in their lives, it is a normal part of the human emotion. Even though everyone experiences anxiety at one point or another in their lives, the individuals who suffer with an anxiety disorder suffer because the disorder interferes with their daily life. In this paper I will be discussing the history of the illness, the signs and symptoms, how it is diagnosed, the treatments, and how the diagnosis and treatments compare to the diagnosis and treatments of the past. Anxiety disorders is a term that was developed approximately around the end of the 19th century since that was when the psychiatric practice began to become more popular and increased. Even though there is no one cause to GAD, researches in the psychiatric field tend to believe genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental stresses can all contribute to it. Research has also shown that it can...

Words: 1452 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Bipolar Unipolar

...Bipolar and Unipolar PSY/270 University of Phoenix Author's Note: This paper is being submitted on April 13,2014 for Bill Noffsinger's PSY/270 class. RunningHead: Bipolar and Unipolar 1 Bipolar and Unipolar There are many different types of diseases that a person can have that could cause depression, but the main two tend to be Unipolar and bipolar. Unipolar is a condition that is caused when a person just has depression, while bipolar is when a person has highs such as mania and lows such as depression. When you hear people talk about being diagnosed with or treated for depression, they are often referring to unipolar depression. There are important differences between unipolar depression and bipolar depression. These differences are how the illness makes people feel and behave, and differences in how they are supported through treatment. In addition to going through low moods or depression, individuals with bipolar disorder also have high moods known as mania during which they may experience increased energy, feelings of euphoria, insomnia (inability to sleep) or impulsive behaviors like shopping sprees or promiscuous sex. Someone with unipolar depression doesn’t go through the “highs” of bipolar depression. A closer look at the symptoms of depression are: sleep disturbances, eating disturbances, depressed mood, lack of interest in usually pleasurable activities, fatigue...

Words: 926 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Brief Cytokines and Depression

...There are no sources in the current document.The purpose of this essay is to explain the role of cytokines in depression. Over the last few decades there have been many controversial hypotheses put forward to explain the observation of depressive symptoms in people, who have a physical injury or are under psychological stress (Schiepers, et al., 2008). Research shows that most controversy was over how the messages from the immune system were interpreted or translated into being a signal to the central nervous system (CNS). While most research agreed that there was a correlation in data between cytokines and depressive symptoms, they did not believe this indicated a causal link (Anisman, 2002). I have chosen to focus one of the most popular theories, the “cytokine theory of depression”, as I believe the research shows that it has a causal link between inflammation, cytokine activity and depressive symptoms (Roque, et al., 2009). This hypothesis recognises and explains the highly integrated processes and mechanisms that a person or animal goes through, from the initial stressor to displaying the depressive symptoms, termed as “sickness behaviour” (Dantzer, 2006). “Sickness Behaviour” is the term given to the symptoms caused by high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the periphery of the body; these symptoms overlap with the general characteristics of depression and include; decreased appetite, increased desire to sleep, cognitive dysfunction, social withdrawal and decreased...

Words: 2711 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Mental Illness

...Mental Illness Paper Carolyn Maxine Hughes HCR/240 University of Phoenix Dr. Mary Lou Jenkins 3/10/2012 Abstract In this paper, I will be attempting to the mental illness of ADHD (attention deficit disorder). In the first paragraph there will be a discussion on the history, including any myths or misconceptions of ADHD. In some of the other paragraph there will be a detailed discussion of the other points such as the neurotransmitters that are associated with this type of a illness. I will try to familiarize individuals as to how the environment in which they stay in will detract from a successful treatment of ADHD. In the final paragraph I will discuss how the treatments today of this illness compare to the diagnosis and treatments of the past. A list of the professionals involved in the treatment, diagnosis of ADHD will also be mentioned. Mental Illness Paper Attention deficit disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue on through adolescence and adulthood. Some symptoms may include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over- activity). ADHD is characterized by prominent symptoms of inattention and/ or hyperactivity and impulsivity. These symptoms can lead to difficulty in academic, emotional, and social functioning. Studies in the United States indicate approximately 8%- 10% of children satisfy diagnostic criteria for...

Words: 1117 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

The Pathophysiology Of Schizophrenia

...For my paper, I will be doing research on various facets of Schizophrenia, including the development, onset, neural mechanisms and cognitive effects and consequences. I will be looking into the pathophysiology of this disorder in addition to the abnormalities and disturbances in brain connectivity, its background with psychosis (disconnection from reality), how it affects daily life in those diagnosed with the disorder, and the most effective treatments to date. I will also be looking into the diagnosis and measurements of schizophrenia, including neuroimaging techniques and assessment tools. Schizophrenia is a neurological disease characterized by hallucinations and delusions, including false perceptions, sounds, voices, sights, and can be severe enough to be disabling. It is also known to cause abnormal and dysfunctional behavior and thoughts, and has a high suicide rate on those afflicted....

Words: 418 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Drug Abuse Correlation to Child Abusee

...The effects of childhood abuse on its victims are penetrating. These effects can be emotional, social, and spiritual. The impact of the abuse depends on the victim and circumstances of the abuse. According to Glaser (2000), besides the psychological effects of childhood abuse, which cause much self defeating behavior in adulthood, there are other more serious, life altering effects. Studies show that many victims of child abuse grow up to be drug addicts and most drug addicts have had an abusive childhood (Umeno, Morita, Ikeda, Koda, & Abe, 2009). It has now been discovered that there is a biochemical reason that this happens. Scientific findings show that being a victim of child abuse can contribute to addiction in adulthood because the abuse can cause profound and possibly irreversible damage to the structure, function and chemistry of the brain. Kaufman, Plotsky, Nemeroff and Charney (2000) claim that because child abuse occurs during a crucial period of brain development, neurobiology reveals that trauma such as physical, emotional and sexual abuse has a substantial impact on the brain. It has also been discovered that the more severe the abuse, the more impact there is on brain function (Bremner, 2005). It has been found that abused children have abnormal brain wave patterns. Child abuse victims suffer damage to important brain structures like the cortex, which is related to rational thinking. Panzer (2008) describes that some of the most dramatic damage is...

Words: 2998 - Pages: 12

Free Essay

Love

...Commons, Philosophy Commons, and the Psychology Commons Recommended Citation Chapman, Heather M., "Love: A Biological, Psychological and Philosophical Study" (2011). Senior Honors Projects. Paper 254. http://digitalcommons.uri.edu/srhonorsprog/254 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Honors Program at the University of Rhode Island at DigitalCommons@URI. It has been accepted for inclusion in Senior Honors Projects by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@URI. For more information, please contact digitalcommons@etal.uri.edu. 1 Running head: LOVE Love: A biological, psychological and philosophical study. Heather Chapman University of Rhode Island 2 LOVE Dedication This paper is dedicated to the love of my life Jason Matthew Nye October 4,1973 - January 26, 2011 3 LOVE Abstract The concept of love has been an eternally elusive subject. It is a definition and meaning that philosophers, psychologists, and biologists have been seeking since the beginning of time. Wars have been waged and fought over it, while friendships have been initiated and have ended because of this idea. But what exactly is love, and why is it important to define this enigma? In order to help define this idea of love, several books and numerous research articles were consulted, and interviews were conducted with faculty of The University of Rhode Island. Dr. Nasser Zawia was interviewed, in order to help understand the role of neurobiology...

Words: 8235 - Pages: 33

Premium Essay

Pscychology

...Genetics, Brain Structure, and Behavior Presentation Janelle Gunnels Psy/340 April 25, 2013 Ioannis Papazafiropoulos Genetics, Brain Structure, and Behavior Presentation Team B presented a presentation explaining the genetics, brain structure, and behavior of individuals suffering Bipolar illness. This paper will evaluate their presentation and explain bipolar illness, explain the neurological damage or changes to the brain as a result of the illness, and also an explanation of the behavioral or functional changes that can occur as a result of the illness. I will touch bases on the following: • A description of the suspected or known causes of the illness • A discussion of current treatments or therapies and future research for the prevention or cure of the illness • The role of genetics on the onset of the illness • The visual appeal of the presentation • The overall organization of the information presented What is Bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder is a mental illness which is also commonly known as manic-depressive illness. It is a brain disorder which causes abnormal changes in mood, energy and activity. This disorder interferes with one’s ability to handle everyday task. The symptoms and effects are extreme as this is considered a long term illness. Bipolar Disorder normally appears in an individual...

Words: 1791 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Psy350

...Affective Disorder accodind to the DSM -5 (May 2013), had now been re classified. I know there is still much to learn about , and I am hoping this paper will assist with that goal. I know that among the behavioral disorders that are commonly diagnosed, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is the most prevalent among men . It is a persistent disorder that is attributed to neurobehavioral problems. About 3%-5% men are only affedeted by this disorder in America . The disorder is characterized by hallucinations, paranoid dellunions, and the ability to exercise behavioral inhibition that is normally related to age. There are several warning signs, which can indicate the possibility that a person may be affected by the disorder. These include difficulties adhering to instructions, talking a lot, disorganization, leaving homework or other chores unfinished, and having problems with hygiene, and or communication. There are also secondary manifestations among the people who suffer from this type of mental disease including forgetfulness, low motivation, disorganization, social problems, confusion, difficulties regulating emotions, and low self-esteem. Schizophrenia is not something that magically goes away once a person begins treatments thry must continue treatments forever , and it may become more manageable. In Conclusion, with this paper I hope to delve deeper into the neurological side of schizophrenia. The cause of is largely attributed to neurochemical or neurobiological aspects...

Words: 372 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Personality

...personality to any one definition. With this in mind, this paper encompasses a discussion surrounding some definitions of personality, examines research methodology that help explain personality development, and the factors that influence personality development. Personality Perspectives For many years people studied personality and theorized about where this behavior came from. Personality is a unique aspect to each individual and is "…a pattern of relatively permanent traits and unique characteristics that give both consistency and individuality to a person’s behavior" (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 4). In addition, speculation of personality development centers on genetics and the environment. However, there are challenges in the interpretation of personality development test data, as there are a number of perspectives trying to define personality and each theory is unique to the perspective of the theorist. If one looks toward psychoanalyses for an answer, Sigmund Freud, Alfred Adler, or Carl Jung would contend that personality is a result of early childhood experiences and "…ongoing compromise among numerous independently operating mental subsystems" (Funder, 2001, p. 199). Thus, expressing that the key to personality lies in the realm of the unconscious, an area many in the psychological community do not agree with. The one reason this theory draws such pessimism lies in the fact this paradigm is hard to research as it holds its contentions in the subconscious. Using...

Words: 1245 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Antidepressants and the Body

...of ways depending on what they are taken for and in what form. Medication has a route and form in which they are taken. Medications can be taken in oral which would be a pill or liquid, sublingual in tablet or drops, topically in cream or ointment, inhalation, drops etc. The type of medication and the route will have an effect on where the drug will enter the body and what areas the drug will focus on. In this paper I will explain how antidepressants work with chemicals in the body and also the good and bad of taking antidepressants. About 20 million people in the United States suffer from some form of depression (Schimelpfening, 2012). Depression occurs in someone when endogenous chemicals in the brain are used by the central nervous system to help communicate signals from one area to another. This imbalance in neurotransmitters, such as Serotonin, Dopamine and Norepinephrine plays a role in clinical depression. Decreased production of these neurotransmitters, a lack of receptor sites able to receive these neurotransmitters, and the inability of these neurotransmitters to reach a receptor site plays in an important factor in depression. The most common and effective drug used for people with depression are Tricyclic antidepressants. This medication works by increasing the release of norepinephrine. According to National Science Digital Library, the action of the Tricyclic drugs depends on the central ring of the atoms which looks like the shape of a twist. The side chain...

Words: 933 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Student

...CASE STUDY PAPER 1 Kid Killers: Delinquency Theories Arache Lotfalian UMUC CCJS 350 Professor Donovan 11/29/2012 CASE STUDY PAPER 2 In the middle class suburban town of Littleton, near Denver Colorado, a 17 year old murderous fantasy is beginning to take shape. Eric Harris and a friend known as “Vulcan” or “V” intend to commit an act so violent that it will secure their place in history. The following is an expert from Harris’s Journal, mastermind behind the Columbine Shooting: “Sometime in April next year, me and “V” will get revenge, kick natural selection up a few notches. If we’ve learned anything about the art of making pipe bombs, we’ll set hundreds of them around roads, bridges, buildings, and gas stations; anything that will cause damage and chaos. It will be like the L.A. riots, Oklahoma City bombings, WWII, Vietnam, Duke and Doom all mixed together. I want to leave a lasting impression on the world.” One year later on April the 20th 1999, Eric Harris and another Columbine student, Dylan Klebold, committed the worst High School massacre in American history. They killed twelve students and one teacher; injured twenty three others and then turned the guns on themselves (Avila, 2000). Immediately following the mass shootings, media, sociologists and criminologists set about the difficult task of discovering the motives of the killers and answering the question of whether or not problems within society allowed this to happen....

Words: 1999 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Regulatory Behavior

...Regulatory Behavior Paper PSY/340 2/9/2015 Tiffany Tibbs Regulatory Behavior Paper Temperature is very important in many ways and more than one and is very vital to human and animal lives. As humans we don’t hibernate but, animals do and it is amazing how smart they are that they literally will tuck away for spring and some for winter. Researchers tend to think it’s because certain animals are mating but, in actuality it’s just too cold for them. Even as I look out my window and see the smaller birds who I feed throughout the year, peaking above my ledge right outside my window peeking for food, they do not want to come out at all. The research team hypothesized that there was a minimum weight threshold below which the birds have been limited yet are needed to test the validity of this interesting hypothesis. For example, and in stark contrast to behavioral studies. Hypothesis on what defines the cognitive rift between humans and animals. He identifies four key differences in human thought that make it unique. Animals, for example, have "laser beam" intelligence, in which a specific solution is used to solve a specific problem. But these solutions cannot be applied to new situations or to solve different kinds of problem. In contrast, humans have "floodlight" cognition, allowing us to use thought processes in new ways and to apply the solution of one problem to another situation Their behavior is almost survival and unlike ducks and larger bird like wild turkey they...

Words: 1571 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Psy 203

...University of Phoenix Material Week 1 Assignment Worksheet Matching Match the following descriptions to the correct perspective: 1. ___B.___ perspective focuses on how learning experiences affect behavior, and focuses on behavior that is observable. 2. __E___ perspective focuses on the effect of unresolved conflicts from childhood, and how those conflicts unconsciously shape behavior. 3. __D___ perspective focuses on free will, conscious choices, and self-awareness, and views humans as distinct individuals with unique characteristics. 4. ___C__ perspective examines the mental processes used to obtain knowledge, and focuses on how information is processed, stored, retrieved, and manipulated. 5. __A___ perspective focuses on how factors like age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and income level influence behavior, attitudes, and mental processes. A. Sociocultural B. Behavioral C. Cognitive D. Humanistic E. Psychodynamic Table Provide a description of the function of the structures or hormones listed. |Structure |Hormone(s) released (if applicable) |Description or function | |Frontal lobe |CRH Corticotropin-releasing hormone |Helps with decision making | |Somatosensory cortex |CRH |Sensory receptive area for the sense of touch...

Words: 2066 - Pages: 9