BLO #6. Using one or more examples, explain the effects of neurotransmission on human behavior.

Preparing for an LO Identify all key terms in essay prompt Consider other command term possibilities Be prepared to answer a narrower prompt

Step One Explain the process of neurotransmission Select two examples (neurotransmitters) explain the effects they can have on behavior. Cite a relevant research study for each neurotransmitter

Step Two Be prepared for other command terms that may take the place of explain in the LO: Define Describe Outline State Analyze Apply Distinguish

Be prepared to answer a narrower question Step Three Be prepared to answer a narrower question Ex. Explain one example of the effect of neurotransmission on behavior.

Neurotransmitter #1:Serotonin Serotonin is responsible for sleep, arousal, and emotion.

Effects on Behavior Low serotonin levels can result in anxiety, depression, low impulse control, aggression, insomnia, and hunger

Meditation & Serotonin Research Study (Kasamatsu and Harai, 1999)

AIM of the study To see how sensory deprivation affects the brain by measuring the serotonin levels in a group of Buddhist Monks during a pilgrimage

Procedures of the study Researchers took blood samples of a group of Buddhist monks immediately before a 72-hour pilgrimage to a holy mountain in Japan. During this time they did not eat, drink, speak or sleep. They were also exposed to the cold weather. After about 48 hours they began hallucinating. At this point, researchers again took blood samples for comparison.

Results of the study Serotonin levels in the monks had significantly increased due to the sensory deprivation These higher levels of serotonin, in turn, triggered hallucinations

The Buddhist Monks were able to change the way they experienced the world through a conscious choice to deprive their senses.

Neurotransmitter #2: Acetylcholine Linked to memory and muscle contractions

Effects on Behavior Low levels of acetylcholine may inhibit certain types of memory and contractions of large muscles including the heart

The Rat Maze Study Martinez and Kesner (1991)    

AIM To determine the role of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, on memory

PROCEDURE Rats were trained to go through a maze and get to the end, where they received food. Once the rats were able to do this, they were injected with scopolamine which blocks acetylcholine receptor sites. This decreased the availability of acetylcholine. A second group of rats was then injected with physostigmine, which blocks the production of cholinesterase which soaks up the extra acetylcholine from the synapse. The third group, the control group, were not given any injections.

RESULTS The first group (lowest levels of acetylcholine) was the slowest. The physostigmine group (highest level of acetylcholine)was the fastest This indicated that acetylcholine played a role in creating a memory of the maze

More Acetylcholine Research Another interesting fact is that research has shown that certain brain cells that produce acetylcholine are damaged in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. *The exact role of acetylcholine in Alzheimers is unknown.

Criticisms/Concerns These studies are reductionist The process of neurotransmission is very complex Much is still unknown about neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters can be measured in the blood, but not the living brain