Synaptic transmission is how nerve cells, or neurons, communicate with each other. This process can change a lot between healthy and sick conditions.
In a healthy brain:
When a signal, called an action potential, reaches the end of a neuron, certain channels open up. These channels let in tiny particles called calcium ions.
The influx of calcium ions is important because it helps small sacs, known as synaptic vesicles, merge with the neuron’s outer layer. When this happens, these vesicles release special chemicals called neurotransmitters into the gap between neurons, known as the synaptic cleft.
These neurotransmitters help send the message to the next neuron, allowing communication in the brain to flow smoothly.
In a sick brain:
In diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, this communication can get messed up.
For example, in Alzheimer’s, a sticky substance called beta-amyloid can build up and damage the connections between neurons. This makes it harder for neurotransmitters to be released, slowing down communication.
In Parkinson's disease, the loss of certain neurons that produce dopamine affects our brain's ability to change and adapt, which is important for learning and memory.
How medications affect synaptic transmission:
Some medicines can also change how synaptic transmission works.
Antidepressants, for instance, often focus on a chemical called serotonin. They help keep more serotonin available in the synaptic cleft, which can help improve mood.
On the other hand, antipsychotic drugs might block dopamine receptors, changing the way messages are sent in the brain, especially in people with mental health issues.
Overall, understanding how synaptic transmission works is really important. It helps doctors and scientists find better treatments for brain-related conditions.
Synaptic transmission is how nerve cells, or neurons, communicate with each other. This process can change a lot between healthy and sick conditions.
In a healthy brain:
When a signal, called an action potential, reaches the end of a neuron, certain channels open up. These channels let in tiny particles called calcium ions.
The influx of calcium ions is important because it helps small sacs, known as synaptic vesicles, merge with the neuron’s outer layer. When this happens, these vesicles release special chemicals called neurotransmitters into the gap between neurons, known as the synaptic cleft.
These neurotransmitters help send the message to the next neuron, allowing communication in the brain to flow smoothly.
In a sick brain:
In diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, this communication can get messed up.
For example, in Alzheimer’s, a sticky substance called beta-amyloid can build up and damage the connections between neurons. This makes it harder for neurotransmitters to be released, slowing down communication.
In Parkinson's disease, the loss of certain neurons that produce dopamine affects our brain's ability to change and adapt, which is important for learning and memory.
How medications affect synaptic transmission:
Some medicines can also change how synaptic transmission works.
Antidepressants, for instance, often focus on a chemical called serotonin. They help keep more serotonin available in the synaptic cleft, which can help improve mood.
On the other hand, antipsychotic drugs might block dopamine receptors, changing the way messages are sent in the brain, especially in people with mental health issues.
Overall, understanding how synaptic transmission works is really important. It helps doctors and scientists find better treatments for brain-related conditions.