Inhibitory or Excitatory Potential Changes

1487 Words3 Pages

Inhibitory or Excitatory Potential Changes

"MDMA affects the brain by increasing the activity of at

least three neurotransmitters (the chemical messengers of brain

cells): serotonin, dopamine, and nor epinephrine" (The Brain's

Response to Hallucinogens). This increase in activity can be

either excitatory or inhibitory in nature depending on the

neurotransmitter involved and which part of the reaction to the

drug is taking place. Every area of the brain containing

serotonin, dopamine, and/or norepinephrine is affected by MDMA,

but the serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways are principally

affected. This includes the neocortex and much of the limbic

system. Within the limbic system, the hypothalamus, basal

ganglia, amygdala, and hippocampus are affected. In the reward

center, the nucleus acumens, a place where dopamine neurons are

prevalent, is affected (Hallucinogens).

In each part of the brain, action potentials or inhibitory

responses to MDMA cause the side effects felt by users. The

neocortex is responsible for memory and altered perceptions,

while the limbic system influences changes in moods, emotions,

and feelings of anxiety. The hippocampus is also responsible for

memory, while the nucleus acumens is said to be responsible for

feelings of pleasure or the reinforcing effects of MDMA. It is

important to realize that all the pleasurable and not so

pleasurable behavioral and physiological effects of MDMA are

occurring because neurons within the cell bodies of our bodies

are reacting to the foreign stimuli.

When MDMA crosses the blood brain barrier it begins to

affect presynaptic neurons containing the neurotransmitters

mentioned. It causes repeated EPSPs in addit...

... middle of paper ...

...ne neurons and send signals

directly to these dopamine neurons" (Ecstasy 16). This means

that serotonin can stimulate the release of Dopamine into the

synapse and does so when MDMA creates an action potential that

causes the release of serotonin.

MDMA has an inhibitory affect on the neurotransmitter

Norepinephrine as well. Norepinephrine terminals are involved

with the uptake and removal of Dopamine from the synapse

(Yamamoto 274). The Nucleus Acumens is affected when MDMA

prevents the reuptake of Dopamine by the Norepinephrine

terminals. Norepinephrine is found in the basal ganglia as well.

The excitatory and inhibitory effects of MDMA on neurons and

neurotransmitters are numerous. The important thing to remember

is that axons of serotonin are far reaching and affect many

areas of your brain and body that you might not have considered.

Open Document