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Dopamine: Difference between revisions
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If one abuses drugs for long periods of time, neurons can become sensitized and even immune to dopamine. When observing drug addiction, being aware of how cells adapt to exposure of drugs is vital. Over a long period of exposure to dopamine antagonists, the number of dopamine receptors increase. This happens as the nervous system attempts to make up for the lack of dopamine caused stimulation. The receptors, in turn, also become more sensitive to dopamine. These processes are called '''sensitization'''. However if dopamine or dopamine agonists are repeatedly used as stimulants, the dopamine receptors will decrease in number and sensitivity. This process is called '''desensitization'''. <ref name=Utex/> | If one abuses drugs for long periods of time, neurons can become sensitized and even immune to dopamine. When observing drug addiction, being aware of how cells adapt to exposure of drugs is vital. Over a long period of exposure to dopamine antagonists, the number of dopamine receptors increase. This happens as the nervous system attempts to make up for the lack of dopamine caused stimulation. The receptors, in turn, also become more sensitive to dopamine. These processes are called '''sensitization'''. However if dopamine or dopamine agonists are repeatedly used as stimulants, the dopamine receptors will decrease in number and sensitivity. This process is called '''desensitization'''. <ref name=Utex/> | ||
Desensitization can be also coined by the word tolerance. Exposure to a drug creates less reaction than previously. This illustrates homeostasis, the body’s attempt to maintain a balance even when there is a change chemically.<ref name=Utex/> | Desensitization can be also coined by the word tolerance. Exposure to a drug creates less reaction than previously. This illustrates homeostasis, the body’s attempt to maintain a balance even when there is a change chemically. Sensitization and desensitization do not need long periods of exposure. In fact they make occur within minutes of first use. <ref name=Utex/> | ||
== Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) == | == Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) == | ||
