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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Janelle on March 30, 2002, at 23:57:08
In a thread way above, someone wrote that Remeron blocks specific norepinephrine receptors called alpha2-receptors and that "serotonin neurons" also contain alpha2-receptors ...
Huh? What is a "serotonin neuron" -- this leads me to ask a very, very embarassing question (I can't believe I'm posting this!) -- what exactly is a neuron? And are neurons part of cells?
I know that serotonin is a neurotransmitter, so are there specific neurons that release and reuptake specific neurotransmitters? For example, is there a dopamine neuron that handles dopamine, etc.? Man, do I feel DUMB.
Posted by allisonm on March 31, 2002, at 19:53:57
In reply to Biology(?) 101: a basic, embarassing question:, posted by Janelle on March 30, 2002, at 23:57:08
Neuron: A nerve cell; the fundamental unit of the nervous system, having structure and properties that allow it to conduct signals by taking advantage of the electrical charge across its cell membrane.
Synapse: The locus where one neuron communicates with another neuron in a neural pathway; a narrow gap between a synaptic terminal of an axon and a signal-receiving portion (dendrite or cell-body) of another neuron or effector cell. Neurotransmitter molecules released by synaptic terminals diffuse across the synapse, relaying messages to the dendrite or effector.
Synaptic terminal: A bulb at the end of an axon in which neurotransmitter molecules are stored and released.
Neurotransmitter: A chemical messenger released from the synaptic terminal of a neuron at a chemical synapse that diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to and stimulates the postsynaptic cell.
Postsynaptic membrane: The surface of the cell on the opposite side of the synapse from the synaptic terminal of the stimulating neuron that contains receptor proteins and degradative enzymes for the neurotransmitter.
Source: Biology, Fifth Ed.; Neil Campbell, Jane Reece, Lawrence Mitchell. Benjamin Cummings Pub.1999
Janelle,
I notice that you have many questions. I think that's good. I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm, but information such as that above can easily be found at a library or on the web, in an encyclopedia, or possibly in a dictionary. I certainly didn't know or remember all of the above info until I looked it up for this post. And this info does not answer all of your questions. I guess what I am gently trying to suggest is that looking up information such as this for yourself may lead you to more interesting information, (i.e., you may quench your thirst for information with a search of your own and learn even more while you're at it!)
Best wishes,
A.
Posted by allisonm on April 1, 2002, at 0:21:48
In reply to Biology(?) 101: a basic, embarassing question:, posted by Janelle on March 30, 2002, at 23:57:08
I didn't answer your questions very well re' receptors. I am no expert, but from what I understand, there are three primary chemicals that affect mood in the brain: serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine. There are receptors in the neurons of the brain that only respond to an individual chemical (I think). The ADs work because they block the reuptake of specific chemicals in your brain -- be it serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine -- so that the particular chemical stays in your brain longer. Many ADs work on more than one of the three. Some work strongly on one chemical and weakly on another. They also work on very very specific receptors having to do with particular brain chemicals. It can be a guessing game to figure out what kind of imbalance a person has. Pdocs usually start with an SSRI first for depression because many people seem to respond well to having more serotonin circulating in their brains. Others can't stand more serotonin, but respond well to changes in levels of dopamine or norepinephrine or a combo of two or all three. So yes, there are specific receptors for these specific chemicals (even specific aspects of chemicals such as 5HT receptors or whatever they are called) and the drugs affect their rate of reuptake. I know this is simplistic. I hope it is accurate and that it helps.
Posted by Janelle on April 1, 2002, at 14:31:52
In reply to more stuff, posted by allisonm on April 1, 2002, at 0:21:48
Thanks for all you took the time to type out here for me - it's very helpful. However, my basic question is still unanswered, and that is - are there specific neurons for specific neurotransmitters? Meaning, is there a "serotonin neuron" (as was mentioned in a thread somewhere on here but who knows where anymore) that handles ONLY serotonin, a dopamine neuron that handles ONLY dopamine, etc.? OR does a neuron handle any/all transmitters?
Thanks!
Posted by allisonm on April 1, 2002, at 16:11:01
In reply to ALLISON: still missing a piece of the puzzle! » allisonm, posted by Janelle on April 1, 2002, at 14:31:52
I suspect that neuron is a general term for a type of cell and that there are neurons that deal only with serotonin or dopamine or norepinephrine. I am guessing here.
Why not look it up and tell me? I would be interested to know. :-)
Posted by fachad on April 1, 2002, at 21:00:37
In reply to Biology(?) 101: a basic, embarassing question:, posted by Janelle on March 30, 2002, at 23:57:08
Here's a pay dirt link on neuroanatomy. Lots of pictures, diagrams, and even sound files so you can pronounce it correctly.
http://www.lib.uchicago.edu/hw/neuroanatomy/nacnsbrn.html
It's even close by PSB, at Univ of Chicago.
Here's a link in the same site with pictures and descriptions of a neuron:
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/cells.html
You can even take a quiz when you’re done!
Have fun.
> In a thread way above, someone wrote that Remeron blocks specific norepinephrine receptors called alpha2-receptors and that "serotonin neurons" also contain alpha2-receptors ...
>
> Huh? What is a "serotonin neuron" -- this leads me to ask a very, very embarassing question (I can't believe I'm posting this!) -- what exactly is a neuron? And are neurons part of cells?
>
> I know that serotonin is a neurotransmitter, so are there specific neurons that release and reuptake specific neurotransmitters? For example, is there a dopamine neuron that handles dopamine, etc.? Man, do I feel DUMB.
Posted by Ron Hill on April 1, 2002, at 21:50:07
In reply to It Neuroanatomy, not Biology, here's the Link... » Janelle, posted by fachad on April 1, 2002, at 21:00:37
Posted by Bekka H. on April 1, 2002, at 22:25:00
In reply to It Neuroanatomy, not Biology, here's the Link... » Janelle, posted by fachad on April 1, 2002, at 21:00:37
Wow! Thank you for those terrific links, Fachad.
Bekka
Posted by fachad on April 2, 2002, at 8:12:35
In reply to It Neuroanatomy, here's the Link...- Fachad, posted by Bekka H. on April 1, 2002, at 22:25:00
Those really are the best links I've ever come across on that topic.
http://www.lib.uchicago.edu/hw/neuroanatomy/nacnsbrn.html
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/cells.html
Really good stuff.
> Wow! Thank you for those terrific links, Fachad.
>
> Bekka
Posted by Janelle on April 2, 2002, at 15:09:01
In reply to The Neuroanatomy Links » Bekka H., posted by fachad on April 2, 2002, at 8:12:35
Wow, those links are incredible. Thanks so much for posting them. You are terrific!
However, I can't seem to find the answer to my specific question - does each neuron only handle ONE transmitter (e.g., are there "serotonin neurons" that deal ONLY with serotonin, "dopamine neurons" that deal ONLY with dopamine) or does a neuron handle MANY DIFFERENT neurotransmitters? Thanks!
Posted by Noa on April 2, 2002, at 16:58:10
In reply to It Neuroanatomy, not Biology, here's the Link... » Janelle, posted by fachad on April 1, 2002, at 21:00:37
I agree--Dr. Chudler's site is fantastic! He also has an email newsletter with news about research, "website of the month", etc. Try some of his interactive stuff.
This is the end of the thread.
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