Synapses are the way two neurons (or brain cells) are connected. The can either "comunicate" to each other through two methods; chemical or electrical synapse. A chemical synapse is when a molecule - known as neurotransmitter - is released in a sinaptic gap (space between two neurons) where this molecule can interact with receptors in other cells membranes. This can either produce excitatory or inhibitory transmissions, which in the real life can be translated as feelings, thoughts or actions.
Some drugs - such as cocaine, extasy, LSD, crack - are able to modify these answers, making us feel different things. For instance, cocaine is known for its action on neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonine and epinephrin. It's action is raising the levels of these molecules in the sinaptic gap, amplifiying its effect on cells. This is why people feel euphoric, full of energy and confidence during its use. Another example is the effect of extasy, which only modifies neurons responses to serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated to the confidence. It has the same effect of cocaine, increasing serotonin levels in the sinaptic gap and producing effects which lasts for hours. After its effect is over, people tend to get depressed. This is because the neurotransmitter has come to an end and no longer produces its confidence effect. It has been investigated that low levels of serotonin are related to psychiatric disorders, such as depression.
I would like to know more about this topic. Although drug effects are really interesting for me, I would love to know what happens in our brain when we smells things and remember something or stare at someone we love; which areas are involved in knowledge and memories; why do we - literally - allucinate when we get a fever. I have found in this year that I really love Neuroscience and would love to work in the area (either investigating or treating patients with neurological pathologies). I think I like this subject because I believe that the human body is a perfect system. I can't yet understand how a 2.4 pounds-brain could create the culture and language and also keeps us every single day of our lifes alive. I think this topic is really interesting and would love to contribute to its development.
If you want to check out more info, look at:
1. Cocaine effects (animation inclueded): http://www.cerebromente.org.br/n08/doencas/drugs/anim1_i.htm
2. More info about Serotonin: http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/serotonin/home1.htm
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