Neurons and Neurotransmitters

I.B. Learning Outcome and Objective B6- Using one or more examples, explain the effects of neurotransmission on human behavior. I can identify the parts of a neuron I can explain the how neurons communicate I can state that neurotransmitters have an impact on behavior I can explain how Depression can be linked to neurotransmission and how it can be treated.

Key Terms Neuron Synapse Neurotransmitter Dendrite Axon Terminal Button Synapse Neurotransmitter

Intro to the Neuron The human brain is made up of ~86 billions of neurons. Neurons: The basic brain cell that specialize in transmitting information throughout the body.

Neural Networks

Parts of a Neuron Dendrites Terminal Button Axon Cell Body 3. Signal transmitted From Terminal Button 2. Signal Travels Down Axon Signal Received In Dendrites

Communication at the Synapse Synapse: The specialized junction between one neuron and another One neuron releases a chemical that either excites or inhibits the next neuron. Terminal Button Synapse Dendrite

Neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters: A chemical that is exchanged between neurons that allow them to communicate.

Step 2: Reuptake Reuptake Dissolved by Enzyme Remains in Synapse After connecting with the receptors, the neurotransmitters are released, travel back through the synapse and are reabsorbed by the reuptake transporter on the original neuron. Reuptake Dissolved by Enzyme Remains in Synapse

Neurotransmission Impact on Depression Serotonin: a neurotransmitter that is partially responsible for many psychological and bodily functions. Mood, Appetite, Sexual Desire, among many more. An imbalance of Serotonin is linked to depression. Anti-Depressants (SSRI’s) are designed to block reuptake of serotonin and keep it in the synapse longer. How Anti-Depressants Work Video

Types of Neurotransmitters GABA: Inhibitory- Stops the brain from becoming too overexcited. Glutamate: Excitatory- Associated with learning and memory. Serotonin: Inhibitory: Balances mood, appetite, regulating sleep, and others. Epinephrine: Excitatory- AKA Adrenaline…heightens mental and physical arousal. Dopamine: Controls voluntary movements and controls reward mechanisms in the brain. AcH- responsible for stimulating muscles and is associated with learning.

Review I can identify the parts of a neuron I can explain the how neurons communicate I can state that neurotransmitters have an impact on behavior

Dopamine Neurotransmitter that is associated with reward-related behaviors Pleasure and Addiction Does not create pleasure, rather it motivates you to seek it.

The Biology of Love and Trust Homework The Biology of Love and Trust Neurotransmitters of Love Part 1: Read the following excerpts from the article below and answer the questions. (Page 3-9,  13-19),    A. What are the characteristics of being in love?    B. What is happening on a biological level when you are in love?    C. Record the Fisher (2004) study on page B6 (Study #2) in your green packet.    D. What are the characteristics of being heart broken?    E. What is happening on a biological level when you are heartbroken?    F. Image in you have friend who is heart broken. What advice would you give them? What     advice would you give a friend who is in love?    G. Does this change your perspective/understanding of what love means? Why or why not? Part 2: On the following website watch the videos titled "Why we Love" and "The Pair Bonding Hypothesis." On Page B12 - Evolutionary Explanation of Behavior, Record information for Pair Bonding Hypothesis. http://theanatomyoflove.com/video/why-we-love-2/

Explain (8) – Detailed account including reasons or causes. Using one or more examples, explain effects of neurotransmission on human behaviour. (8) Explain (8) – Detailed account including reasons or causes.

Kasamatsu & Hirai (1999) – Monk Serotonin Study [Serotonin]

Kasamatsu & Hirai (1999)– Monk Serotonin Study [Serotonin] Investigate how sensory deprivation affects the brain. [PROCEDURE] Studied a group of Monks on a 72 hour pilgrimage to a mountain. The Monks were not allowed to speak, eat or drink. They were exposed to cold late autumn weather. After 48 hours, the Monks started seeing hallucinations of ancestors and feeling their presence. [FINDINGS] Researchers took blood samples before and after their pilgrimage. The found increased level of serotonin in the Monks’ brain. Especially in the Hypothalamus and Frontal Cortex. Resulting in hallucination. [CONCLUSIONS] Sensory deprivation triggered the release of Serotonin. Serotonin – responsible for Sleep, Arousal level, and Emotions.

Martinez & Kesner (1991) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk6j63B2J5Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjzYVWh_bLo

Martinez & Kesner (1991) – the role of neurotransmitter acetylcholine on memory Aim: To determine role of neurotransmitter acetylcholine on memory, specifically memory formation. Methods:  Rats were trained to go through maze and get to the end where they received food.  After rats were able to do this, he injected: 1st group -scopolamine, which blocks acetylcholine receptor sites.  2nd group - physostigmine, blocks production of cholinesterase (does 'clean-up' of - acetylcholine from synapse and returns neuron to its 'resting state').  3rd group – control (no injections).  Results: Results showed that: Scopolamine - slower at finding way round maze and made more errors than control/physostigmine group. Physostigmine - ran faster compared to both groups and made fewer wrong turns. Conclusion: Acetylcholine played an important role in creating a memory of the maze.

Martinez & Kesner (1991) Evaluation Strengths: Design and application Use of an experimental method with a control group made it possible to establish cause- and-effect relationship between levels of acetylcholine and memory.  Limitations: Questionable to what extent these findings can be generalized to humans. (Possible tapply research on rats to human beings) Assumed that memory processes are the same for all animals. Connection of study to question Thus, this study shows that the neurotransmitter acetylcholine affects the human behaviour of memory causing an increase in memory functions with higher amounts of Ach compared to lower levels of Ach, which decreases memory functioning. Conclusion Conclude with a few statements about the effect of neurotransmitters on behaviour: Neurotransmission is an effective way to communicate messages through the brain. Thus neurotransmitters such as Serotonin & Acetylcholine affect specific human behaviours such as mood and memory. Overall, it can be seen that neurotransmitters do affect human behaviour in a variety of ways.