Using one or more examples, explain effects of neurotransmission on human behaviour

Using one or more examples, explain effects of neurotransmission on human behaviour. (8)

Explain (8) – Detailed account including reasons or causes.

Chemical messenger that allows communication between nerve cells.
Receptor sites that can only take in specific electrochemical.
Travels from the Pre-Synaptic neuron through the Synapses to the Post-Synaptic neuron.

Produced in Pineal Gland.
Responsible for
Emotion
Sleep
Mental wellbeing (Happiness)/Depression
During the process of neurotransmission, not all Serotonin gets absorbed by the Post-Synaptic neuron.
The extra Serotonin is taken back into the Pre-Synaptic neuron through Active Reuptake; or
The Serotonin gets broken down by Monoamine Oxidase (MAO), which causes a low level of Serotonin being absorbed by the Post-Synaptic neuron.
Low level of serotonin in the Post-Synaptic neuron means impulse cannot be started.

Kasamatsu & Hirai – Monk Serotonin Study (Serotonin)
[A]	Investigate how sensory deprivation affects the brain.
[P]	Studied a group of Monks on a 72 hour pilgrimage to a mountain. The Monks were not allowed to speak, eat or drink. They were exposed to cold late autumn weather. After 48 hours, the Monks started seeing hallucinations of ancestors and feeling their presence.
[F]	Researchers took blood samples before and after their pilgrimage. The found increased level of serotonin in the Monks’ brain. Especially in the Hypothalamus and Frontal Cortex. Resulting in hallucination.
[C]	Sensory deprivation triggered the release of Serotonin. Serotonin – responsible for Sleep, Arousal level, and Emotions.

Responsible for
Movements (balances)
Emotional responses
Pleasure and pain
Regulating logical thought processes (in frontal lobe)
Vital in controlling balancing and the coordination of body movements.
Low levels of Dopamine can cause lack of control over body movements.
e.g. Parkinson’s
High levels of Dopamine causes the inability to rationalise information and depreciation of logical processes.
e.g. Schizophrenia

Hietala – Presynaptic dopamine function study (Dopamine)
Description	Measured by uptake of flurodopa (radioactive compound) was observed by a PET scan for 7 schizophrenic patients and 8 healthy people (controls). The fluorodopa influx constant increased in schizophrenic patients. Alterations in presynaptic dopamine function make people more inclined to have schizophrenia.