Dopamine receptor

able to bind the receptors and activate the nerve cells. Because of differences of these drugs from the naturally occurring transmitters, abnormal messages may be sent through the brain; this may cause…

also increases the amount of dopamine and noradrenaline, the excessive release of serotonin is the primary mechanism of action. It induces desirable effects that are physical or psychological. However, prolonged MDMA use can disrupt normal serotonergic pathways in the brain by provoking neurotoxicity. Though MDMA affects the action of monoamine transporters, MDMA has a higher affinity to bind to serotonin transporters…

This depressant class drug is the most commonly used substance in society and when abused like any other substance, can affect the dopamine receptor that provides stimulus to the reward pathway of the brain. As such, alcohol was used as a pain killer before the wide spread use of opiates. Other drugs within this class like benzodiazepines, non- benzodiazepines sleep medications, and barbiturates…

sensation caused by increased dopamine levels. Alcohol also impacts the production of serotonin which is responsible for mood regulation. Gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) is one of the brain's natural inhibitors, in fact, it is actually the predominant inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brains central nervous system. Normally the brain naturally regulates the production of this neurochemical but when alcohol is thrown into the mix it is known to potentiate the GABA receptors and exaggerate the…

Sugar has consisted naturally in fruit for millions of years. The first humans identified fruit as a major food source. Necessary for survival, sugar has a considerable impact on brain function. Modern forms of sugar do not always have a positive impact on the brain. Different kinds of sugar impact the brain and body in very different ways. Negative effects of sugar discussed in this paper refer to added sugar. Natural sugar found in whole foods that is not added during processing is considered…

replicate, transcribe mRNA, or repair itself. If the cell is unable to repair it will undergo apoptosis. The final treatment is flutamide, an anti-androgen, which inhibits the androgen receptor. The tumor is androgen positive which means testosterone stimulates the neoplasia to grow. Flutamide blocks the androgen receptors and…

likely to smoke (e.g., Edwards et al., 2011), smoking may also cause depression, via nicotine withdrawal. There are several neurological pathways that depression and nicotine are associated with, such as hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin related pathways. Nicotine withdrawal affecting these shared pathways may be one potential cause of depression. Nicotine might be a potential cause of depression since mice can start to exhibit anxiety and…

An addict just injected himself with the potent drug of heroin. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter is then released. This is the "feel good feeling" receptor in your brain. Addictive drugs can release two to ten times the amount of dopamine that natural rewards do. In a person who becomes addicted, brain receptors become overwhelmed. The brain responds by producing less dopamine causing less impact on the brain's reward center. In time, the desired substance no longer gives them as much pleasure.…

gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastrointestinal pain, gastroenteritis, and diarrhea. Cannabinoids exert their effects on the gastrointestinal tract by activating CB1 and CB2 receptors, located in various areas of the body’s endocannabinoid system. CB1 receptors are present to a high degree in regions of the brain, while CB2 receptors are in immune cells. When functional changes occur in the body that stems from the presence of an illness, the endocannabinoid system conveys protection to the…

The drug 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), or more commonly known as Ecstasy, is a synthetic drug that can alter a person’s mood or perception. It also is known to produce feelings of increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, and distorts sensory and time perception (What is MDMA). Ecstasy was very popular back in the 1970s and 80’s among those who attended nightclubs and all-night dance parties (Skomorowsky). Ecstasy was taken in order to help party goers get more in tune with the…