Behavioral Neuroscience
Presentation Questions
Ecstasy 1. Explain how the brain normally regulates serotonin. How does ecstasy act in the brain, & what neurotransmitters does it affect? - Normally, the brain regulates serotonin (5-HT) by taking up the release in neighboring neurons. - With ecstasy, the neuron is still supplied with 5-HT directly. However, ecstasy MIMICS 5-HT by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, [causing the release of high levels of 5-HT into the synapse], which induces euphoria & the psychological effects you experience. It also blocks the transporter of the original neuron, which causes the release of high level of 5-HT into the synapse creating “euphoria” - Ecstasy affects the neurotransmitters of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, & oxytocin. Ecstasy enters neurons through the use of monoamine transporters & then inhibits the transporter; this inhibition INCREASES the levels of activity of neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, & dopamine). Low levels of euphoria feelings are associated with dopamine and serotonin. Increase in oxytocin leads to more trust and decrease in fear
2. What behavioral effects does MDMA produce? Provide 2 examples of short-term & 2 examples of long-term behavioral effects on behavior. - Behavioral effects of MDMA: severe dehydration, jaw clenching, eye twitching, nausea, blurred vision, suppression of immune system, disturbed sleep patterns, and cognitive impairment - Short term effects: nausea, jaw clenching, disturbed sleep patterns, & changes in cognition, emotion, & motor function - Long term effects: (chronic use can cause serotonin to become depleted) working memory impairment (permanent), long-term chronic depression, & impairment with attention. (some negative effects: brain vasculature, white matter maturation, and possible axonal damage)
Alzheimer’s Disease 1. Name the areas of the brain that are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Be sure to describe the processes that are
Ecstasy 1. Explain how the brain normally regulates serotonin. How does ecstasy act in the brain, & what neurotransmitters does it affect? - Normally, the brain regulates serotonin (5-HT) by taking up the release in neighboring neurons. - With ecstasy, the neuron is still supplied with 5-HT directly. However, ecstasy MIMICS 5-HT by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, [causing the release of high levels of 5-HT into the synapse], which induces euphoria & the psychological effects you experience. It also blocks the transporter of the original neuron, which causes the release of high level of 5-HT into the synapse creating “euphoria” - Ecstasy affects the neurotransmitters of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, & oxytocin. Ecstasy enters neurons through the use of monoamine transporters & then inhibits the transporter; this inhibition INCREASES the levels of activity of neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, & dopamine). Low levels of euphoria feelings are associated with dopamine and serotonin. Increase in oxytocin leads to more trust and decrease in fear
2. What behavioral effects does MDMA produce? Provide 2 examples of short-term & 2 examples of long-term behavioral effects on behavior. - Behavioral effects of MDMA: severe dehydration, jaw clenching, eye twitching, nausea, blurred vision, suppression of immune system, disturbed sleep patterns, and cognitive impairment - Short term effects: nausea, jaw clenching, disturbed sleep patterns, & changes in cognition, emotion, & motor function - Long term effects: (chronic use can cause serotonin to become depleted) working memory impairment (permanent), long-term chronic depression, & impairment with attention. (some negative effects: brain vasculature, white matter maturation, and possible axonal damage)
Alzheimer’s Disease 1. Name the areas of the brain that are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Be sure to describe the processes that are