The specific way, addiction works, using Cocaine as an example is which of the f

Question

The specific way, addiction works, using Cocaine as an example is which of the following? Choose the most complete answer. Cocaine causes an increase in post synaptic release dopamine in the limbic center, the pleasure center, which means that eventually the receptors will be up regulated requiring more cocaine to produce the same sensation of pleasure. Cocaine causes an increase in dopamine which means that the receptors for cocaine at the postsynaptic site will increase in number. Cocaine causes an increase in dopamine in the limbic system which means that the receptors will be killed by the dopamine leading to the quest for more cocaine. Cocaine causes an increase in post synaptic dopamine release in the cerebral cortex, the pleasure center, what means that eventually the receptors will be down regulated requiring more cocaine to produce the same sensation of pleasure.

Explanation / Answer

Cocain causes an incease in post synaptic dopamine release in cerebral cortex, the pleasure centre, which means that eventually the receptor will be downregulated requiring more cocaine to produce the same sensation of pleasure.

Dopamine is the chemical messenger which helps in carrying signal from neuron to neuron. It binds to dopamine receptor present on the neuron. A specialized protein called 'transporter' removes dopamine from the synapse for the signalling to continue. Cocaine binds to this 'tranporter' and causes dopamine to accumulate at the synapse amplyfying the signal and causing a higher pleasure response (euphoria).

When excessive number of transmitter molecules (dopamine) in this case accumulate, the receptors get downregulated (number of receptor sites decrease). The de-sensitized post-synaptic neuron will no longer be responsive for avergae levels of the drug, creating a craving for the drug in higher quantity each time.

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