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Synapse and Communication Between Nerve Cells. Big Ideas: #2 and #4. Site of Chemical Signal: Synapse. Types: Excitatory vs. Inhibitory. Serotonin Functions in Humans. Mood Linked to both depression and anxiety How can it link to both? Suppresses insulin release Promotes sleep
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Synapse and Communication Between Nerve Cells Big Ideas: #2 and #4
Serotonin Functions in Humans • Mood • Linked to both depression and anxiety • How can it link to both? • Suppresses insulin release • Promotes sleep • Restricts blood vessels • Increases peristalsis • How does depression affect the whole body?
Serotonin in C. elegansModel Organism • Serotonin controls egg-laying…Why? • Serotonin rich environments—food available • Serotonin poor environments—food not available • Might serotonin have similar effects on human sexual reproduction?
Effect of Drugs on Serotonin Synapse • Non-controlled drugs and their effect on the synapse: • LSD • MDMA • Role of SSRI’s • What are prescription medications? • What do SSRI’s treat? • Why are SSRI’s important yet a “band aid” for depression?
Formative Assessment • Pick a neurotransmitter that interests you! • Draw a synapse to show its function. • Drug Design: Identify 3 ways the effects of that neurotransmitter could be altered by a drug. • At least one must upregulate the effects of the neurotransmitter. • At least one must downregulate the effects of the neurotransmitter. • The drugs cannot “mimic” the neurotransmitter itself…it is hard to control dosage of this (most illegal drugs mimic NT’s) *HINT: What does this sound like?