Nervous System and drug addiction

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Based on: Mader, S., Inquiry Into Life, McGraw-Hill

Slide 12

Synapses

Neurotransmitter being released into synapse and attaching to receptors on dendrite

Based on Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide

Slide 13

50 Known Neurotransmitters

Examples include:

Acetylcholine

Dopamine

Serotonin

Slide 14

Why do we need a neurotransmitter like dopamine?

Slide 15

Human behavior is controlled by natural chemical reward systems in the body

For example, we like to eat fatty foods because it make us feel good

It is the release of dopamine that is the chemical reward system responsible for the good feeling

Dopamine “reinforces behaviors essential to our survival.”

Importance of Dopamine

Slide 16

After neurotransmitter stimulates the postsynaptic membrane, it is removed by an enzyme or transported out of synapse

For example, acetylcholine is removed from synapses by an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase

Synapses must be cleaned up

Slide 17

Overview of Lesson

Nervous system

Synapses and neurohormones

Drug addiction

Slide 18

Cigarettes contribute to death rates from

cancer and heart disease

Alcohol is the leading cause of violence

Needles are spreading AIDS

Addiction to drugs, cigarettes and alcohol

account for a third of all hospital admissions,

and a majority of all crimes

Drug use costing us excess of 240 billion

dollars annually

Price of Drug Addiction in U.S.

Slide 19

According to scientists, what is the master molecule of addiction and where is it produced?

Slide 20

Dopamine is thought to be the master molecule of addiction

It is made in the brain and affects primitive parts of the brain

Based on Time, May 5, 1997

Slide 21

After being released into the synapse (the gap between nerve endings and receiver cells), dopamine binds to receptors on the next neuron

The dopamine is either quickly reabsorbed or broken down by the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO)

Dopamine’s Normal Action