Posted by PsychopharmAddict on September 6, 2005, at 3:52:12
It has been well established that changing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain influence mood, memory , and mental function; not as clearly recongnized is the fact that altering the composition of brain cell membranes can also influence many aspects of brain function. A dicussion of cell membranes is quite important because many nutrients such as fish oils and phospholipids, have an effect by altering the cell membrane of brain cells.
Each neuron is enclosed within a cell membrane, which seperates the inside of the cell from the outside. The cell membrane serves as a barrier, allowing certain necessary compounds to come in, while restricting the entry of undesired substances. Receptors for many brain chemicals are also found on the membrane.
The compositioin of this membrane consists mostly of different types of lipids (or fats) , which include phosphatidylcholine (PC) , phosphatidylserine (PS) and other lipids. Therefor, as you can guess, manipulation of the composition of the lipids of cell membranes can influence the function of neurons!!! The composition of a cell membrane is in a constant state of flux, influenced by diet, stress, and the immune system.
The cell membrane constist of two layers, and inner one facing the inside of the cell and outer one facing outside. The composition of the membranes includes several types of compounds. The two most abundant groups include phospholipids and sterols. Phospholipids are lipids made up mostly by fatty acids, amino acids, and the mineral phosphorus. the major types of phsopholipids include phosphatidylcholine (pc , or lethecin) comprising about 30 percent of lipid content of the brain; phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), comprising about 27 percent of lipid content, and phosphatidylserine (PS) , comprising less than 10 percent of the lipid content of the brain. sterols include cholesterol, comrising about 20 percent of the lipid content of the brain. Cholesterol forms an important part of brain structure and is the precursor from which the steroid hormones, such as DHEA,Progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone , are formed.
Nerve cells commmunicate by releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic space. While in this space, the neurotransmitter molecule seeks a "port" , or receptor, into which they neatly fit. the ability to "dock; depends upon the shape of both the neurotransmitter and the receptor. Fatty-acid balance affects the shape of the dock (receptor), which may make it difficult for the neurotransmitter (ship) to Fit. This may slow nerve communication and affect many aspects of brain function.
Now , if the receptor is not correctly shaped or if the neurotransmitter, acting like a key, is "dull" say from downregulation, toxcitiy from drugs, that poor connections will result. But mainly getting into the main aspect of my post is taking a few great nutrients to "heal" these areas.
Once could actually train there neurons . A study with two mice were done and the first group was placed in a cage and had no mental stimulation , and they laid around all day LOL.
The second group was trained to run through mazes, which in humans can be related to one reading alot, and keeping the mind sharp, taking supplements , and working out, would do similar things.
Now the end result in a few weeks of the mice, showed the neurons of the trained mice (under an electron microscope) showed a wider an dlonger dendrites ( the treelike communicating arms between neurons), an dmore synapes. Later the trained group was taken out of the stimulating environment and placed in cages without stimulation. At the end of a few weeks, their brains were examined. The dendrites and synapes appeared similar to the group that had not trained. Their neurons shrunk back down to their original size!> There are also many other training experiments which back this up and similar outcomes occurred.What happens as out brain gets old?
- Deterioration and loss of brain cells, dendrites , synapse, and receptors.
- Deterioration of cell membranes
- A decline or alteration in hormone levels
- A decline or alteration in levels of brain chemicals.
- Malfunction of the energy-production system in cells.
- A decrease in blood flow to the brain and within the brain, often as a consequence of artherosclerosis, (hardening of the arteries) or small and large strokes.
- Accumulation of waste products such as lipofuscin within brain cells.
Later I will post great supplements for the mind. If this was a bit too long, I apologize, I look foreward to posting, and learning from this board. Very impressive.PA
poster:PsychopharmAddict
thread:551307
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/newbs/20050601/msgs/551307.html