Transcript Neurotransmission and Hormones

Neurotransmission and
Hormones
By Mr Daniel Hansson
Important Definitions
• Neuron: A nerve cell that transmits information
through electrical and chemical signals
• Neurotransmitter: A signaling molecule in the
synapses that transmits signals between
neurons
• Hormone: A chemical secreted by an
endocrine gland.
Some biochemicals act as both as a hormone and
neurotransmitter, for example adrenaline and
The Neuron
Neurotransmission
•
The process by which signaling molecules
called neurotransmitters are released by
a neuron and bind to and activate
the receptors of another neuron
• Neurotransmission usually takes place at
a synapse, and occurs when an action
potential is initiated
How Neurotransmission Works
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Action potentials (a negative electric charge) in the
neuron releases neurotransmitters from the terminal
buttons
Neurotransmitters in the terminal buttons diffuses over
the synaptic cleft
Neurotransmitters fit into receptor cells in the dendrites
(lock-and-key model)
This changes the charge of the neuron, eventually
creating the action potential (-40mv)
Examples of neurotransmitters
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Acetylcholine (ACh): Is believed to affect learning,
memory and attention. People with Alzheimer´s
disease may have a lack of ACh.
Dopamine: Involved in movement, pleasure, addiction,
love and learning. People with Parkinson´s disease
have a lack of Dopamine. People with Schizophrenia
have an excess of dopamine.
Serotonin (5-htt): Inhibits behaviour and is involved
with sleep, mood, aggression, love, anorexia and OCD.
(Caspi 2003, Marazziti, 2003)
Examples of neurotransmitters
•
•
•
Acetylcholine (ACh): Is believed to affect learning,
memory and attention. People with Alzheimer´s
disease may have a lack of ACh.
Dopamine: Involved in movement, pleasure, addiction,
love and learning. People with Parkinson´s disease
have a lack of Dopamine. People with Schizophrenia
have an excess of dopamine.
Serotonin (5-htt): Inhibits behaviour and is involved
with sleep, mood, aggression, love, anorexia and OCD.
(Caspi 2003, Marazziti, 2003)
Hormones
•
Secreted by the endocrine glands
• Travels through the bloodstream.
• Mainly involved in longterm functioning of the
body.
• There are several receptor sites in the brain
for hormones, influencing behavir
Oxytocin Diagram
(Cembrowisz)
Examples of Hormones
•
Epinephrine (Adrenaline): Involved in emotion
and stress, mobilizes energy to deal with
stressors (Schachter & Singer, 1961)
• Melatonin: Regulates our “biological clock” and
sleep. Involved in depression and Alzheimers
disease.
• Testosterone: Involved in aggression, love,
memory, spatial ability, gender identity
(Marazziti, 2004)
Examples of Hormones
•
Estrogen: The female sex hormone. Involved
in love, memory, anorexia and mood
(Marazzitti, Sherwin)
• Endorphins: Related to pleasure, is a pain
reliever. Can be released during high levels of
stress. E.g. “Runner’s high”
• Oxytocin: Related to love, maternal behaviour,
bonding, generosity. Can be increased by
hugging and pleasant touch.
Major Endocrine Glands
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Adrenal glands: Produce adrenaline
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Ovaries: Produce estrogen
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Testes: Produce testosterone
•
Pituitary gland: Produce oxytocin
Major endocrine glands
Assignment
• Summarize research studies on the relationship
between hormones/neurotransmission and
behavior.
• You need to summarize two research studies
related to hormones and one research study
related to neurotransmission
• Summarize the aim, research method,
procedure and findings of the research study