Gold complexes terms Links

As noted in Chapter 3, stimulant drugs such as cocaine and the amphetamines are thought to affect the brain primarily through complex actions on monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. For example, both cocaine and the amphetamines block rcuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin, and particularly dopamine (Meyer 8c Quenzer, 2005). In addition, the amphetamines and methylphenidatc also increase the release of dopamine (Sulzer, Sonders, Poulsen, 8c Galli, 2005). Thus, the initial effect of stimulants is to produce a storm of activity in neural pathways that are sensitive to the monoamine transmitters. Because of this increased activity, however, and particularly because reuptake is blocked so that enzymes break down the neurotransmitters, the long-term effects of stimulant use involve depletion of monoamines. If you remember that low levels of monoamines are linked to clinical depression (see Chapter 3), tlien you have the basis for one theory of why the aftereffects of heavy cocaine use involve depression (Dackis 8c Gold, 1985). To explain this hypothesis, we must turn briefly to data from the animal laboratory. 

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