Describe the synaptic mechanism at the level of the cannabinoid, opioid, or dopamine receptors. Choose one and discuss both the endogenous as well as exogenous substances for that receptor. Look up where the receptors are expressed in the human body to determine how they correlate with the effects of the receptor you chose. Think about what you would like to know more about and propose an experiment.
The mesolimbic dopamine system of the brain is involved in the rewarding process originating in the midbrain. The dopamine is released by the neurons into the synapse. From this synapse, it binds to the neighboring neuron via the dopamine receptors. After the process, the dopamine is cleared from the synapse by transporter proteins so that it can be recycled for the future.
Drugs such as cocaine act by altering the removal of the dopamine from the synapses. This alteration is done by cocaine by binding to the dopamine transporter. This leads to the accumulation of the dopamine between the neurons in the synapses, which causes prolonged euphoria due to amplifified signal.
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