Nervous system hunger

Hydroxy tryptamine, or serotonin, is a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). The nerve-cell bodies of the major serotoninergic neurones are in the midline raphe nuclei of the rostral pons, and ascending fibers innervate the basal ganglia, hypothalamus, thalamus, hippocampus, limbic forebrain, and areas of the cerebral cortex. The serotoninergic system plays an important role in the control of mood and behavior, motor activity, hunger, thermoregulation, sleep, certain hallucinatory states, and some neuro-endocrine mechanisms. 

Benefits The caffeine content makes guarana a strong central nervous system stimulant. It is traditionally used as a tonic for fatigue and to allay hunger and thirst. It also has short-term diuretic effects. The tannin content gives guarana an astringent effect and it has been used to treat diarrhoea. 

Introduction of modified-release formulations has provided some improvement in the use of anorectic drugs. Steady release of the drug permits a constant concentration in the blood throughout the entire day. Thus, a sudden excess of physiological hunger is prevented, and adverse effects involving the central nervous system are diminished. 

Cocaine is a stimulant of the central nervous system, reduces hunger and, when applied directly to mucus membranes such as those lining the nose and mouth, produces anaesthesia and constriction of blood vessels. The drug is derived from the leaves of the erythroxylon coca, and for centuries, natives of Peru and Bolivia have chewed cocoa leaves for their stimulating effect. 

In the brain, the hypothalamus links the nervous system to the pituitary gland (hypophysis) and this acts on the endocrine system through a number of hypothalamic hormone releasing factors neurohormones (see Chapter 10). The hypothalamus is responsible for the regulation of body temperature, hunger, and thirst and for chronobiological rhythms. 

Medical pain morphine is the drug of choice for the relief of pain due to myocardial infarction. Relief of ischemic pain decreases sympathetic nervous system activity thus reducing myocardial oxygen demand. Morphine is used in patients with acute pulmonary edema for its cardiovascular effects and to decrease air hunger. Morphine can be used to treat the pain of sickle cell disease with crisis. Morphine can be used to treat the pain of Guillain-Barre syndrome, osteoarthritis and obstetric pain. Morphine s sedative effects can be utilized in the intubated and ventilated patient. 

A person loses weight when food intake is less than energy output. Many diet products contain cellulose, which has no nutritive value but provides bulk and makes you feel full. Some diet drugs depress the hunger center and must be used with caution, because they excite the nervous system and elevate blood pressure. Because muscular exercise is an important way to expend energy, an increase in daily exercise aids weight loss. Table 3.12 lists some activities and the amount of energy they require. 

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