Brain and central nervous system

The chemistry of the brain and central nervous system is affected by a group of substances called neurotransmitters, substances that carry messages across a synapse from one neuron to another Several of these neurotransmitters arise from l tyrosine by structural modification and decarboxylation as outlined m Figure 27 5... 

The entry of toxins into the brain and central nervous system (CNS) is frequently more difficnlt than into other tissues. The function of this blood-brain barrier is related to impaired permeability of the blood capillaries in brain tissne, the necessity for toxins to penetrate glial cells, and the low protein content of the CNS interstitial flnid (Klaassen, 1986). Lipid solnbihty of a toxin is an important factor in the penetration of the blood-brain barrier. 

One of the surprising findings of recent brain and central nervous system research is that chemical substances previously considered to be exclusive to ihe province of the brain have been found in organs outside the nervous system (e.g., somatostatin, neurotensin, and enkephalins have been found in the gut), and conversely, that other substances active in other organs, but not previously associated with the central nervous system, have been found in the latter (e.g.. gastrin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and choiecystokinin. traditionally associated with the gastrointestinal tract, but now found in the central nervous system). 

Benzylpiperazine (BZP) is one of the more commonly used piperazines on the club scene because it stimulates the brain and central nervous system, to the point of creating hallucinogenic experiences in some users. Although many describe its stimulant effects as noticeably different from those of speed, or amphetamines, it is not particularly popular because of its many side effects. 

The major dietary lipids for humans are animal and plant triacylglycerols, sterols, and membrane phospholipids. The process of lipid metabolism fashions and degrades the lipid stores and produces the structural and functional lipids characteristic of individual tissues. For example, the evolution of a highly organized nervous system has depended on the natural selection of specific enzymes to synthesize and degrade (turn over) the lipids of the brain and central nervous system. 

Hg 0.05 Damages the brain and central nervous system toxic to the kidney... 

Pb 0.15 Cellular poison damages the liver, kidney, brain, and central nervous system produces mental retardation... 

Although the exact biochemical mechanism of toxicity has not been identified for toluene, it is known that the primary toxic effect of toluene is dysfunction of the brain and central nervous system (CNS-nar-cosis). The main function of neurons is to conduct electrochemical signals to one, several, or thousands of other cells. The normal physiology of these neurons is, in turn, largely dependent on the integrity of the cell membrane, which polarizes and depolarizes during the transmission of these signals. Thus, the most probable mechanism of toxicity is the unique... 

OMEGA-3 PUFA IN THE BRAIN AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM... 

Glutamate in the brain and central nervous system can be converted to gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), which is catalyzed by glutamate decarboxylase. GABA is a neurotransmitter inhibitor compound that can be metabolized by transamination followed by oxidation. 

---