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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by denise528 on August 15, 2002, at 14:33:20
Hello,
Can I pick somebody's brains?
What does blocking a receptor mean and how does it differ from blocking the reuptake of a neurotransmitter?
Denise
Posted by dennison on August 15, 2002, at 21:12:11
In reply to Need to pick somebody's brains?, posted by denise528 on August 15, 2002, at 14:33:20
Hi :) Blocking a receptor-prevents that receptor from eliciting it's response--ex. antipsychotics block the dopamine D2 receptor especially--thus preventing it from being stimulated. .................................................. Ok blocking the """reuptake of a neurotransmitter--ex. ssri's --selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor ""BLOCK "" the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin from ""reuptake"" ***back*** into the neuron that released it - thus leaving it in the synapse where it can stimulate various receptors. Blocking the reuptake ""process"" is not blocking a receptor but inhibiting or ""blocking"" the ""process "" of reuptake which removes the neurotransmitter from the synapse. Thus the term ""reuptake"" --or removing the neurotransmitter--by reuptaking it ""back "" to where it was released initially from the ""pre""--synaptic neuron. Reuptake is the main method the synapse has for ending the neurotransmitters activity in the synapse--by "removing it from the "" synapse"" >>back into ""inside"" the neuron --thus deactivating it--for the time being. ........ Presynaptic neuron >>>>> releases the neurotransmitter >>>>> into synapse>>>>>> transmitter>>>>> crosses synapse to>>>>>> ""post synaptic receptor"" or ""another receptor"" as long as it's in the synapse. That's the process as would normally occur........................................................................................................Ok the normally the neurotransmitter is "removed"" from the synapse by being reuptaken back into the ""presynaptic neuron"" blocking ""reuptake " lets the neurotansmitter remain in the synapse where it can be active for a more ""sustained action Reuptake can be simply thought of as the ""reverse "" of "" release "" !....................................................................................Now back to """BLOCKING"""" a receptor--that's simply using a drug to bind to the receptor that normally wouldn't be there---thus preventing "" access to the the receptor"" the blocking agent -- simply blocks the abilty of that receptor to be stimulated by whatever normally would. The blocking agent simply blocks the receptor it doesn't stimulate it as the normally acting chemical would it simply physically occupies the "" doorway"" to the receptor thus preventing that receptor from being exposed to any other chemical or influence it--shut's down the function of that receptor in essence !!! ..................Hope that was helpful- perhaps a bit of a rambling explanation but accurate :):):)
Posted by denise528 on August 16, 2002, at 3:38:46
In reply to Re: Need to pick somebody's brains? » denise528, posted by dennison on August 15, 2002, at 21:12:11
Hello,
Thanks for the explanation, I understand that blocking the reuptake of Serotonin leaves more serotonin in the synapse which helps depression but I don't understand how blocking a receptor helps alleviate depression. So you stop the receptor being stimulated but how is that supposed to help alleviate depression?
Denise
Posted by awake at last on August 16, 2002, at 8:41:10
In reply to Re: Need to pick somebody's brains?, posted by denise528 on August 16, 2002, at 3:38:46
> Hello,
>
> Thanks for the explanation, I understand that blocking the reuptake of Serotonin leaves more serotonin in the synapse which helps depression but I don't understand how blocking a receptor helps alleviate depression. So you stop the receptor being stimulated but how is that supposed to help alleviate depression?
>
> Denise
************************************************
This will only alleviate your depression if your depression is caused by a low serotonin level. Serotonin is in lay terms what they call the "feel good" chemical. It is what tells your body if it is satisfied or not. If it is low - typically you feel bad..ie "depressed". So by stopping your body from re-absorbing it too quickly or causing your body to produce more, it leaves more in your system and makes you "feel" better.
However, if you've read any of my other posts you'll know that I believe that many time these meds are given to help alleviate the symptoms and the true medical problem causing your serotonin levels to be low may not have been diagnosed (A personal conclusion I reached after years of research and finally curing my own low serotonin levels by finding doctors that were willing to listen and perform the proper tests). Some doctors find it way too easy to treat the symptom rather than find the cure.....
Posted by katekite on August 16, 2002, at 18:05:06
In reply to Re: Need to pick somebody's brains?, posted by denise528 on August 16, 2002, at 3:38:46
How could blocking a receptor help alleviate depression?
It would, if allowing that receptor to fill with neurotransmitter causes depression. For example, the firing or signalling of some neurons may increase anxiety or depression. If one can block the receptors on those neurons the neuron won't transmit a signal and you won't be as anxious. Sort of like two negatives equals a positive. More neuron firing is not always a good thing.
A similar situation is using beta blockers for performance anxiety. Normally during public speaking my heart races. This is due to beta receptors being activated (because my brain thinks I'd better run away very fast and my heart better go at the speed needed to run). If I took a beta blocker, the receptors are blocked, and my heart stays at a normal rate.
kate
Posted by denise528 on August 17, 2002, at 4:12:25
In reply to Re: Need to pick somebody's brains?, posted by katekite on August 16, 2002, at 18:05:06
Thanks Kate,
I understand now.
Denise
This is the end of the thread.
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