Histones and Such
What is a histone?
A protein that DNA wraps around
Which side of the brain controls positive emotions?
Left
What are the key features of depression?
Depressed mood, decreased pleasure. Could also include a change in weight/appetite, sleep, agitation, energy, and feelings of worth.
What is the insula responsible for?
Self-awareness, cognitive functions, social emotions
What are the two categories of effects for meu opiods?
Increase potassium (makes AP's happen faster) and decrease calcium release (less neurotransmitters released)
What is methylation?
When methyl groups are tightly wrapped around DNA strands. This causes the gene to be suppressed
What side of the brain controls negative emotions/emotional content of speech?
Right
What role does the cingulate gyrus play in depression?
Influences linking between behavioral outcomes and motivation. AKA it helps you identify what makes you happy and helps you keep doing it
What are key features of PTSD?
Re-experiencing a witness or experienced trauma, changes in thought, mood, and arousal. Characterized by painful recollections and triggered by normal, non-threatening cues
What is the effect of GABA reduction when taking a meu opioid?
Less inhibition means a TON of dopamine, which could lead to addiction
What is acetylation?
When acetyl groups are added to DNA strand, but loosely. This does not inhibit the DNA's expression
What does stress activate?
HPA axis and the sympathetic nervous system for fight/flight
What are some contributing factors to neurological depression?
Neurotransmitter dysregulation, genetic risk, neuroanatomy changes
What does bipolar look like in the brain?
Enlarged ventricles, decreased responsivity of cortical regions, elevated cortisol levels
What is the reward pathway?
Ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex
An increase in acetylation leads to more Cdk5 expression, which means an increase in long-term fear memory in male mice. In female mice, estrogen already increases fear memory so it's less effected by acetylation.
What does the SNS release when stress happens?
What can science do for depression?
Research antidepressants and test them using animal models (Porsolt swim test), and attempt to regulate circadian rhythms
Identify some bad things about stress?
Depression, lack of sleep, health concernsw
Which part of the reward pathway drives goal-seeking behavior? Producing dopamine?
Receptors in the brain that essentially "absorb" cortisol. More glucocorticoid receptors means less methylation, and therefore less stress
What are some good things about stress?
Motivation, the 'get up and go'
Free one :)
You're doing great! Keep at it
How do circadian rhythms of cortisol change between depression and PTSD?
In PTSD, circadian rhythms of cortisol are decreased, while in depression they are increased
Define addiction
A chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences