LIFESCI 15 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: 5-Ht Receptor, Dopamine Receptor, Axon Terminal
Document Summary
Botulinum toxin aka botox: produced by clostridium botulinum. Bacterium common in marine and soil environments: acts as a defense mechanisms for the bacteria (for protection from intense heat, increased acidity, etc. , can cause botulism. Life threatening illness in humans and animals: lethal dose in humans: 2 billionths of a gram per kilogram (very little can kill you) Other drugs effects: lsd: mimics serotonin. Gets into brain & synapses where serotonin would be released and cause extra stimulation. Can cause hallucinations: ecstasy increases serotonin production. Permanently damages serotonin producing cells in cerebral cortex & hippocampus (used in learning & memory: crystal meth stimulates dopamine & serotonin release. Most addictive in terms of one time use: oxycontin. Mimics an opium-like nt in pain neurons, blocking their function. Thm #1: by interfering with normal neuronal operation, drugs can alter how we look, feel, and function.
