Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine

AcetylcholineDescription

Introduction Produced in several locations including the basal forebrain.formation of memories, verbal and logical reasoning, and the ability to concentrate. Acetylcholine also offers protective benefits and may limit the neurological decay associated with degenerative diseases.]Specific cells geared to respond only to acetylcholine distributed all through the various section of the brain. The receptors, when activated, allow for communication from the basal forebrain to the hippocampus, 2 areas which manage memory and learning.

The effect of Acetylcholine Excessive AcetylcholineCreates spasms or tremorsLarger quantities ACh acts like an inhibitory neurotransmitter, causing increased nervous system inhibition (depression). As ACh levels go up in the brain, the levels of the other brain transmitters go down.

Too little AcetylcholineMemory impairments Feel despair and lack joyAnti social behaviorsLose concentration Too little in the hippocampus has been associated with dementia.

Support Study Martinez and Kesner (1991) in memory formation Aim: To investigate the role of Ach in memory formation Procedure: Experimental study using rats. They were trained to run a maze. They were divided into 3 groups. Group 1: received injection with scopolamine Group 2: received injection with physostigmine Group 3: The control group

Results Group 1: had problems finding their way through the maze and made more mistakesGroup 2: ran quickly through the maze and made a few mistakes. The group is quicker than the control group

Evaluation The study shows that Ach is important in memory since the rats has showed different memory capacity depending on Ach level. Since controlled laboratory experiment, it can be concluded that the level of Ach is one factor that affects memory

Effect of Drugs NicotineNicotine is shaped similarly to acetylcholine, it can fit in the same receptors and act just like acetylcholine. Nicotine will also mimics the actions of acetylcholine. Long term consuming nicotine will cause more activity at the acetylcholine receptors than usual because the receptors are being activated by both acetylcholine and nicotine. This change in balance causes the brain to think there is too much acetylcholine and react by reducing the number of receptors and releasing less acetylcholine into the synapse. The brain now needs nicotine to maintain normal functioning and once the nicotine user stop using it then the user will feel abnormal. Effect of DrugsBlack widow(spider) venomCommon effects of the black widow bite include severe cramping and stiffness in the abdominal area. Other short-term symptoms may include nausea, fever, sweating, tremors, difficulty breathing, increased blood pressure, anxiety and restlessness. 13Citation Symptoms of High Acetylcholine: http://mindrenewal.us/page13.htmlAcetylcholine Neurotransmission (Section 1, Chapter 11) Neuroscience Online: nba.uth.tmc.eduThe Role of Acetylcholine Mechanisms in Affective Disorders: www.acnp.orgAcetylcholine deficiency www.nutritional-healing.com.auPrinted Notes: Explain using one or more examples, the effect of neurotransmissions on human behaviorsAcetylcholine -- Britannica School: school.eb.co.uk

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/brain-power/grades-6-9/legal-doesn't-mean-harmless-module-2/background

http://www.ehow.com/info_8411255_longterm-effects-black-widows.html