Андрей Фоменко – The Power Of Youth. How To Tune Our Mind And Body For A Long And Healthy Life (страница 12)

Once released, the neurotransmitter enters the synaptic cleft and contacts the receptors on the surface of the "receiving side" projection, the postsynaptic membrane. Receptor activation gives rise to a new nerve impulse, which continues its way (if there is contact between neurons) or causes the desired effect in the cell to which the signal was sent. However, a chemical signal can also inhibit the nerve impulse at the postsynaptic terminal. It depends on what the neurotransmitters do – excite or inhibit.

After the signal transmission from one terminal to the other, the neurotransmitter molecules left in the cleft are either quickly destroyed or "pulled" into the presynaptic terminal through special protein pumps. This is called the principle of neurotransmitter reuptake, and it is used in the creation of some drugs. The effect of many antidepressants is based on blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is responsible for good mood. As a result, serotonin stays in the synaptic cleft longer, having the desired effect.

WHAT ARE NEUROTRANSMITTERS, AND HOW DO THEY AFFECT PEOPLE?

According to the effect that neurotransmitters have on the "receiving" nerve terminal, they are divided into excitatory: they increase the action potential and generate a new impulse, and inhibitory: block the action potential achievement in the postsynaptic nerve ending. Some neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and acetylcholine, can have both stimulatory and suppressive effects, depending on the type of receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.

Next, we will talk about several neurotransmitters that have a powerful effect on various aspects of human life, both physiological and psychological.

DOPAMIN is called the neurotransmitter of winners, and scientists describe it as one of the key factors of internal reinforcement. Its formation helps to remember positive experiences: for example, when a person tastes good food, receives praise, has sex, and achieves a goal. The dopamine release is followed by euphoria: the brain remembers it and motivates the person to have the positive experience again. Dopamine plays an important role in learning processes, and it is also involved in the regulation of muscle function. When dopamine production is impaired, so-called dopamine diseases, like Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia, develop.

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