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Serotonin, also known as 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine), is
a neurotransmitter found at the synapses of certain neurons. That is,
it is released by the tip of one stimulated neuron, and recognized by
a specific serotonin neurotransmitter receptor on an adjacent neuron,
causing it to fire. In this way, the nerve impulse is propagated throughout
the nervous system. Note that after a nerve fires
at a synapse, the neurotransmitter must be taken back up by the original
neuron and transported back into a synaptic vesicle so that it is ready
to fire again. This so-called re-uptake is an extremely
important aspect of nervous system function.
Neorons that release different neurotransmitters are found in different
parts of the nervous system. Serotonin is found in parts of the brain
associated with memory, emotions, and feelings. It is also important for
body temperature regulation among other things.
MDMA or ecstasy causes the rapid release of serotonin from neurons, in
essence causing many to fire at once. This can cause an intense feeling
of well-being and is found to be pleasurable by some. Recent research
reveals that the serotonin is released because the MDMA interacts with
the proteins responsible for transporting serotonin around the neuron
as it gets ready to fire.
Every generation for the past several, young people have believed they have
found the first truly safe recreational drug. First it was LSD in the 60s,
then it was cocaine in my era. Both have been shown to be harmful in numerous
ways. Recently, ecstasy has been touted as being safe and all-night rave parties
are still growing in popularity. This is truly scary as ecstasy has recently
been found to be extremely dangerous, causing what appears to be permanent
brain damage with even a single use. No this is not overstated propaganda
to stop use of a drug. It is a scientific warning that ecstasy users are harming
themselves, perhaps permanently.
Through mechanisms that are only now being understood, it turns out that
the serotonin containing neurons
die in response to exposure to ecstasy!!! They
undergo programmed cell death, apoptosis. The first result
of this is that users have to take more ecstasy to get the same
effect, causing even more damage with subsequent use. Clinical
studies have also indicated that this may be associated with loss
of memory function. It might be a very long lasting effect, and
it is feared to be permanent. A significant number of animals
in studies die from hyperthermia when given even one dose of
ecstasy. That is, they lose control of their body temerature
and they die. This happens in too many people as well, creating
the real threat of fatal overdose. Bottom line: ecstasy is extremely
dangerous and should never be used!!!!
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