Team+6

= The War Between Methamphetamine and the Human Brain =

=__Research Question:__=

__General Information:__
Methamphetamine is a very strong psychomotor stimulant that mimics the actions of certain neurotransmitters that affect mood and movement. Methamphetamine causes a release of dopamine and serotonin, producing the intense rush that users feel. Even after the initial rush subsides, the brain remains in an alert state and keeps the user's body on edge. After the effects have worn off, the brain is depleted of its dopamine, and depression is a common result. Methamphetamine easily hooks users because the highs are so intense and the lows are so awful. In addition, regular users build up a tolerance to the drug's effects, needing more of the drug to feel the original effect. Furthermore, methamphetamine can be extremely addictive. Methamphetamine appears to have neurotoxic (brain-damaging) effects, destroying brain cells that contain dopamine and serotonin. Over time, abuse appears to cause reduced levels of dopamine, which can result in symptoms like those of Parkinson's disease. Methamphetamine also stimulates locomotor activity (i.e. - reflexes, basic physical movements) and produces "stereotypic behaviors" - random, repetitive, compulsive movements and actions such as twitching or picking at the skin - as a side effect.

Dopamine:
Dopamine receptors have key roles in many processes, including the control of motivation, learning, and fine motor movement, as well as modulation of neuroendocrine signaling. Abnormal dopamine receptor signaling and dopaminergic nerve function is implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders.[1] Thus, dopamine receptors are common neurologic drug targets; antipsychotics are often dopamine receptor antagonists while psychostimulants are typically indirect agonists of dopamine receptors. = = =__**Emotion**__=
 * Dopamine receptors** are a class of metabotropic G protein-coupled receptors that are prominent in the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS). The neurotransmitter dopamine is the primary endogenous ligand for dopamine receptors.

After long-time use, methamphetamine seriously affects how the brain functions emotionally. Meth down-regulates the pre-frontal cortex of the brain, meaning that its processes slow down considerably. Thus, its control over the [|amygdala] in the brain decreases as well. This amygdala, located in the lower brain, is responsible for our emotions. Methamphetamine addicts experience numerous health problems because of the drug, but brain damage is continually studied by researchers throughout the country.

__Time Log:__
August 21, 2008: Brainstorming Chemistry Topics: 60 minutes September 4, 2008: Final Topic Decision (Chemistry): 60 minutes September 12, 2008: Formed Group and selected topic (Chemistry): 60 minutes September 18, 2008: Edited and uploaded our page for the first time: 30 minutes September 29, 2008: abebobb found a helpful website that outlines the effects of meth: www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/methamphetamine_ad.htm October 2, 2008: FTorres 09 finds another helpful website that show a basic outline of meth: http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/meth.asp October 2, 2008: FTorres09 updates and organizes wiki alone and adds new information and picture as well. October 3, 2008: ZachWehner adds information about dopamine, along with a picture October 31, 2008: abebobb adds the emotional affects of meth on parts of the brain November 4, 2008 we worked in a group for 45 minutes researching November 6, 2008 group work researching, and making the board layout/powerpoint for 90 minutes November 13, 2008 Group worked on Powerpoint and Board for wikispace and for board

Group Members:
Abe Bobb (Leader), Zach Wehner, Fernando Torres, Eric Roads

=Wep Pages:= http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/search?andorexactfulltext=and&resourcetype=1&disp_type=%3E%3CINPUT+TYPE%3D&fulltext=Meth http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meth/