LIFESCI 15 Lecture Notes - Lecture 18: 5-Ht Receptor, Ethanol Metabolism, Dopamine Receptor
Document Summary
Week 9 lecture 18- neurotransmitters and complex behavior. Produced by a bacterium common in marine and soil environments. Acts as a defense mechanisms for the bacteria (fir protection form immense heat, increased activity, etc. ) Can cause botulism, a life-threatening illness in humans and other animals. Lethal dose in humans ~ 2 billionths of a gram per kilogram. How does it work: it gets injected into the terminal button at neuron/muscle synapses, it degrades several proteins required for fusion of vesicles with the terminal button membrane, it prevents the release of acetylcholine, it paralyzes the muscle. Localized, will stay in an area from 2-4 months. Lsd (acid): mimics serotonin- hallucinations because brain is getting false information that isn"t actually coming in) Ecstasy: increases serotonin production and blocks its reuptake, permanently damages serotonin-producing cells in cerebral cortex (used in learning) and hippocampus (used for memory) Crystal meth: stimulates dopamine and serotonin release, most addictive drugs, euphoria, do-it-again response.
