Classical neurotransmitters and their significance within the nervous system

Abstract

Fascinating insights into how chemistry controls our response to external stimuli using an encounter between a man and a snake to show the macroscopic effects of the molecular reactions. Along the way a lot of organic, structural, and physical chemistry is introduced.

Role of Metal Ions in Dopamine Oxidation

“…A preparatory lesson about biochemistry/chemistry of the compounds involved in transmitting nerve signals, their role in PD, and the effects of redox metals on DA introduces the laboratory activity (consider at least 2 h). Some previously published didactic papers can support this lesson. , Moreover, the lesson pathways suggested by online resources provide video support for this introductory part or may be the starting point in a flipped classroom approach. Depending on the background of the students, a following 2 h lesson about metal complexes and chelating agents can be planned. , The students should already know the basics of UV–vis spectroscopy and be able to correctly analyze spectra.…”

“…Some previously published didactic papers can support this lesson. 1,3 Moreover, the lesson pathways suggested by online resources 14 provide video support for this introductory part or may be the starting point in a flipped classroom approach. Depending on the background of the students, a following 2 h lesson about metal complexes and chelating agents can be planned.…”

“…1,2 This causes a deficiency in the availability of DA, a neurotransmitter necessary for the production of controlled movements and modulation of behavior and cognition. 3,4 DA cannot be given to patients because it does not pass the blood−brain barrier; therefore, they are given L-dopa ((S)-2amino-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid), which is able to enter the brain and to be transformed into DA. 1 The etiology of PD is still unknown, but the condition is likely to be multifactorial with genetic and environmental factors contributing to the disease.…”

“…Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressively degenerative disorder of the central nervous system leading to a diminished ability to coordinate movements and a deterioration of cognitive functions. The main pathological hallmark of PD is the loss of dopaminergic neurons (i.e., the nerve cells producing dopamine (4-(2-aminoethyl)­benzene-1,2-diol, DA ) located in the substantia nigra , the area of the brain that sends signals down the spinal cord to control the muscles of the body. , This causes a deficiency in the availability of DA , a neurotransmitter necessary for the production of controlled movements and modulation of behavior and cognition. , DA cannot be given to patients because it does not pass the blood–brain barrier; therefore, they are given l -dopa (( S )-2-amino-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)­propanoic acid), which is able to enter the brain and to be transformed into DA …”

<title>Multiphoton resonance ionization of molecules desorbed from surfaces by ion beams</title>

“…The TOF MPRI mass spectrum of 1O-11 moles of semtonin desorbed from a silicon surface is presented in Figure 5. This molecular is a potent neurotransmitter that has been shown to influence appetite, memory, sexual drive, and depression behavior (20). MPRI was accomplished using an excitation wavelength of 280 run and operated at a power density of 1.9 x 106 W/cm2.…”