Neurons don't touch each other; there's a synapse between them. The electrical current can't jump the synapse. Instead chemical messengers, neurotransmitters, are dumped into the synapse. The messengers then float across the synapse and have an effect (binding like a lock and key) on the next neuron's dendritic spine.
Neurotransmitters are like letters in the alphabet. Multiple forms and meanings in different contexts.
There are neurons that excite and neurons that inhibit.
They are made of plentiful amino acids so the body can easily manufacture what you need.
People differ in their manufacture and receptivity toward neurotransmitters.
Drugs mimic the activity of real neurotransmitters. For example, hallucinogens, such as LSD and psilocybin, mimic serotonin's shape and structure. So when the brain feels these, it hears and sees things that aren't really there because its neurons are being told there's something there.
On the other hand, neurotransmitters can block activity by gumming up the receiving neuron's receptors. The neurotransmitter binds to them and has an inhibitory effect, preventing other neurotransmitters from binding and sending out an excitatory message. Haldol and thorazine,which block excessive dopamine firing in schizophrenics, are listed as examples.
Drugs can also block the reuptake of neurons released from vesicles (SSRI's - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a common example. This boosts the signalling because the neurotransmitter remains in the synapse and is likely to hit the receiving neuron more.
Parkinson's, L-dopa, degeneration of dopamine production in a key brain area. Give the person a precursor of dopamine. Give them too much and they begin to show psychotic behavior. Meanwhile in the schizophrenic we see tardive dyskenisia, which is a trembling associated with (long term) use of antipsychotics.
Neurotransmitters are like letters in the alphabet. Multiple forms and meanings in different contexts.
There are neurons that excite and neurons that inhibit.
They are made of plentiful amino acids so the body can easily manufacture what you need.
People differ in their manufacture and receptivity toward neurotransmitters.
Drugs mimic the activity of real neurotransmitters. For example, hallucinogens, such as LSD and psilocybin, mimic serotonin's shape and structure. So when the brain feels these, it hears and sees things that aren't really there because its neurons are being told there's something there.
On the other hand, neurotransmitters can block activity by gumming up the receiving neuron's receptors. The neurotransmitter binds to them and has an inhibitory effect, preventing other neurotransmitters from binding and sending out an excitatory message. Haldol and thorazine,which block excessive dopamine firing in schizophrenics, are listed as examples.
Drugs can also block the reuptake of neurons released from vesicles (SSRI's - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a common example. This boosts the signalling because the neurotransmitter remains in the synapse and is likely to hit the receiving neuron more.
Parkinson's, L-dopa, degeneration of dopamine production in a key brain area. Give the person a precursor of dopamine. Give them too much and they begin to show psychotic behavior. Meanwhile in the schizophrenic we see tardive dyskenisia, which is a trembling associated with (long term) use of antipsychotics.
