LectureEtOHMetabolismandEtOHrelatedDiseases.ppt

Effects of alcohol on the brain Brain function Neurons – convey messages electronically Dendrites - ends of branches of neurons that send and receive messages Neurotransmitters – chemical messengers Synapse – space between branches Receptors – on tips of dendrites; bind neurotransmitters Effects of alcohol Alcohol fits into receptors Prevents neurotransmitters from binding to receptors (blocks message) Can cause the release of too much neurotransmitter (always “on”) Effects transmission systems of: b-endorphin, dopamine, serotonin, GABA, glutamate 1st drink – release b-endorphin (natural opiate) More drinks – added endorphins stimulate release of dopamine to brain’s reward center; also inhibit GABA (normally slows down dopamine release) Result: too much dopamine Glutamate receptors blocked Blocks glutamate receptors in frontal lobes – impairs thinking, talk too much, take risks, can’t modulate emotions Glutamate receptors blocked in hippocampus (region that forms memories) – too much alcohol results in memory lapses Glutamate receptors blocked in cerebellum (coordination center) – slur words, loose balance Limbic system (emotional part of brain) disconnected from thinking part of brain – increased violence; can’t evaluate risks and benefits; can’t access social cues GABA release is stimulated in parts of brain that regulate anxiety, arousal, and vital processes (get relaxed) Even more drinking: fewer excitatory-glutamate messages and more inhibitory GABA messages Keep drinking: medulla (regulates vital processes) is affected – you die! Summary of effects of alcohol on the brain Stimulates brain’s reward/pleasure center Disables glutamate neurons – thinking, planning, remembering, balance Stimulates GABA neurons that inhibit anxiety and regulate emotions Inhibits arousal center (fall asleep) Enough alcohol can inhibit breathing center and cause death Other effects of alcohol on the body Brain damage Alcohol interferes with protein synthesis Brain cells loose capaci