Research into how our brain cells communicate, called synaptic transmission, is very important for treating brain disorders. Let’s break down why this is the case.
Vesicle Release: Synaptic transmission starts when tiny bubbles (called vesicles) release special chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These are sent from one brain cell (presynaptic neuron) to the space between cells (synaptic cleft). In a typical brain cell, about 100,000 vesicles are released each time it sends a signal, which shows how much is needed for clear communication.
Receptor Binding: After the neurotransmitters are released, they attach to specific spots (receptors) on the next brain cell (postsynaptic neuron). This causes a reaction. When certain neurotransmitters attach, they can improve communication in the brain by up to 60% in some lab tests.
Brain disorders often happen when synaptic transmission goes wrong. Here are a couple of examples:
Alzheimer’s Disease: Problems with synaptic function can lead to memory loss and confusion in older adults. About half of the people over 85 years old experience these issues. Studies show that losing synapses can greatly relate to problems with thinking.
Parkinson’s Disease: Problems with a chemical in our brain called dopamine cause difficulties in movement. This affects over 1 million people in the U.S. New treatments that focus on fixing how synapses work aim to balance dopamine levels or make receptor sites more sensitive, which could help lessen symptoms by 30%.
Learning more about how synapses work has resulted in new treatment options:
Antidepressants: A kind of medicine called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) helps increase the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter. These medications can help around 40 million adults in the U.S. who deal with depression.
Antipsychotics: Medicines that target signals related to another neurotransmitter called glutamate have been effective in helping people with schizophrenia. This condition affects about 1.1% of people worldwide.
These advancements give hope for better treatment choices and outcomes for people with brain disorders by restoring how synapses work.
Research into how our brain cells communicate, called synaptic transmission, is very important for treating brain disorders. Let’s break down why this is the case.
Vesicle Release: Synaptic transmission starts when tiny bubbles (called vesicles) release special chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These are sent from one brain cell (presynaptic neuron) to the space between cells (synaptic cleft). In a typical brain cell, about 100,000 vesicles are released each time it sends a signal, which shows how much is needed for clear communication.
Receptor Binding: After the neurotransmitters are released, they attach to specific spots (receptors) on the next brain cell (postsynaptic neuron). This causes a reaction. When certain neurotransmitters attach, they can improve communication in the brain by up to 60% in some lab tests.
Brain disorders often happen when synaptic transmission goes wrong. Here are a couple of examples:
Alzheimer’s Disease: Problems with synaptic function can lead to memory loss and confusion in older adults. About half of the people over 85 years old experience these issues. Studies show that losing synapses can greatly relate to problems with thinking.
Parkinson’s Disease: Problems with a chemical in our brain called dopamine cause difficulties in movement. This affects over 1 million people in the U.S. New treatments that focus on fixing how synapses work aim to balance dopamine levels or make receptor sites more sensitive, which could help lessen symptoms by 30%.
Learning more about how synapses work has resulted in new treatment options:
Antidepressants: A kind of medicine called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) helps increase the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter. These medications can help around 40 million adults in the U.S. who deal with depression.
Antipsychotics: Medicines that target signals related to another neurotransmitter called glutamate have been effective in helping people with schizophrenia. This condition affects about 1.1% of people worldwide.
These advancements give hope for better treatment choices and outcomes for people with brain disorders by restoring how synapses work.