Posted by Cam W. on January 23, 2000, at 11:00:14
In reply to Re: Extracellular concentrations?, posted by Sam on January 23, 2000, at 0:56:42
> I don't think there is a simple answer to this question. Maybe and maybe not. The drug might only effect a particular part of the brain. It can effect different parts of the brain differently. There are several neurotransmitters involved in the brain. If the concentration in the synaptic cleft is increased by a reuptake inhibitor or a MAO inhibitor, then it might enhance the normal effect of the neurotransmitter in that part of the brain. It may be possible to increase the concentration of the neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft without necessarily changing the net normal effect of the neurotransmitter in that part of the brain. The total amount of any neurotransmitters in the brain is probably not effected much by most drugs but their effectiveness in particular parts of the brain is enhanced or interfered with. Some drugs can cause depletion of neurotransmitters or others may cause an overabundance of neurotransmitters. So I guess the answer would be it depends. How much the brain uses is a very vague
> question. "Extracellular" is a little vague too.> Anita, Sam is correct in what he says, extracellular concentrations probably means the amount of neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft, which is the space between two nerve cells. Basically the neurotransmitter is carrying the electrical signal from one nerve cell to the next. Good luck with your reading. Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:19429
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000112/msgs/19458.html