Brain chemistry - course RUB 3,920. from Synchronization, training 20 hours, Date November 29, 2023.

Lecture 1.
How are nerve cells structured?

Axons, dendrites, synapses
There are approximately 100 billion neurons in our nervous system. Individually they are not capable of anything, but united in chains and networks they help us coordinate movements, laugh at jokes, enjoy food and much more.

At the webinar we will understand how neural connections are formed and how nerve cells are structured. Let's find out which molecules perform an active function in the brain and learn what axons, dendrites and synapses are. Let's see what tissues the brain and spinal cord are made of.

Lecture 2.
How information is transmitted

Electrical properties of neurons
Neurons continuously transmit information to each other. This process consists of two stages. Within the neurons themselves, information is distributed in the form of short electrical impulses, and between cells - in chemical form, due to the release of mediator substances.

In the webinar we will talk about the first stage and find out how information in the brain is transmitted and encoded using electricity. Let's figure out what action potential and resting potential are. We will learn how the electrical activity of the human brain is studied - historically and today, and how this helps doctors recognize tumors and strokes.

Lecture 3.
How do mediators work?

Synapses, Botox, the role of calcium and magnesium
You thought you wanted porridge for breakfast. A simple thought, but for it to appear, dozens of synapses—the most important nodes of the nervous system—worked sequentially in the brain. They, like telephone wires, are responsible for the transfer of information from neuron to neuron and for how quickly we think.

At the webinar we will learn how synapses work. Let's find out what mediators are, how they are produced and affect neurons. Let's figure out which substances activate our receptors and which ones block, and understand how the effect of medications and narcotic substances is based on this principle. Let's find out how calcium and magnesium affect the speed of information processing and why it is important.

Lecture 4.
Brain, movement and control of internal organs

Acetylcholine, nicotine, atropine and nerve poisons
The first transmitter that scientists discovered was acetylcholine. It is simple in design, but affects hundreds of processes. Any muscle contraction (and we have more than 600 of them!) is the release of acetylcholine. Our excitement or, on the contrary, calmness is also him.

At the webinar we will find out how, thanks to acetylcholine, we coordinate movements and cope with anxiety. Let's figure out why smokers can't get ready to work without a cigarette and why we sweat when we're nervous.

Lecture 5.
Brain and stress

Norepinephrine and adrenaline
Norepinephrine, together with acetylcholine, regulates the functioning of internal organs and makes them function more actively or weakly. This helps us cope with stress, emotional and physical stress. That is, with all situations in which we waste energy: we run, worry about some events or think about problems.

At the webinar we will look at how scientists and doctors use norepinephrine to relieve symptoms of asthma and runny nose and regulate vascular function. Let's find out in which situations stress benefits us and helps us remember information, and in which it harms us. Let's find out why some people cannot live without extreme sports, gambling and other adventures.

Lecture 6.
Brain and energy

Glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter. Together they make it possible for us to concentrate on one task or multitask, determine the speed of our reaction, and influence the feeling of vigor or lethargy.

At the webinar we will learn how these mediators work and understand the principles of action of tranquilizers. Let's find out what helps us focus on tasks and control emotions. Let's learn how glutamate in the brain affects the senses and memory and how it relates to the glutamate found in food. Let's understand how, with the help of these mediators, epilepsy attacks are stopped and the heart rhythm is normalized.

Lecture 7.
Brain and Emotions: Part 1

Dopamine, antipsychotics and psychomotor stimulants

It seems that dopamine is a neurotransmitter that stands “for everything good and against everything bad.” It is responsible for motor and mental activity and positive emotions. People with high dopamine levels enjoy exercising, are good at programming languages, solve work problems creatively, and come up with good jokes.

At the same time, excessive activity of the dopamine system leads to schizophrenia. During the webinar, we will find out how dopamine works, why its deficiency becomes one of the causes of depression, and how the functioning of the dopamine system is regulated with the help of antipsychotic drugs.

Lecture 8.
Brain and Emotions: Part 2

Serotonin, antidepressants, hallucinogens
Serotonin reduces our activity level and regulates sensitivity to pain, controls negative emotions, helps us feel confident in our own abilities and prevents us from slipping into depression.

At the webinar we will talk in more detail about what causes depression and why this condition cannot be tolerated. Let's find out how antidepressants work and why some people can hardly bear a slight bruise, while for others even a trip to the dentist is not scary.

Lecture 9.
Brain and drugs

Endorphins and opioids, oxytocin, substance P, peptide toxins

The endorphin system and related drugs relieve pain, but at the same time they are quickly addictive and addictive, from which it is difficult to escape.

At the webinar we will talk about why drugs that affect the endorphin system are the most dangerous. Let's figure out what happens to the brain under the influence of opium, morphine and heroin and why these substances cause euphoria.

Lecture 10.
Brain and other addictions, allergies

Histamine, glycine, anandamide and cannabinoids, adenosine and caffeine, alcohol
Let's complete our study of brain chemistry by talking about neurotransmitters with a variety of functions. Let's start with histamine, which is responsible for inflammation when we are injured or infected with a virus. This is what our allergic reactions are associated with. Then we'll talk about glycine and adenosine, which are responsible for keeping our muscles and brain from overworking.

At the webinar, we will understand the principles of operation of these mediators and find out how coffee and alcohol affect them. Let's find out why we feel cheerful after caffeine and why a small dose of alcohol makes us happy, but a larger dose makes us sleepy.