Lecture Notes: Effects of Dopamine and Cocaine on the Brain

Overview of Brain Networks

• The brain consists of networks of billions of nerve cells.
• Signals travel through these networks using chemical messengers.

Dopamine: The Feel-Good Chemical

• Dopamine is a chemical messenger associated with pleasure.
• It is released when we eat, drink, or engage in activities essential for survival.
• The process:
  • Dopamine travels from one nerve cell to another, triggering a pleasurable response.
  • It typically returns to the original nerve cell for reuse.

Cocaine's Impact on Dopamine Function

• Cocaine affects the brain's feel-good network by altering dopamine levels.
• It increases dopamine levels significantly, causing a surge of pleasure.

Mechanism of Cocaine's Action

• Cocaine blocks the dopamine transporter, which usually reabsorbs dopamine.
• This blockage leads to an excess of dopamine in the synaptic space.
• High dopamine levels result in:
  • Euphoria and increased self-confidence.
  • Increased animation and talkativeness in users.

Conclusion

• Cocaine's interference with dopamine reuptake leads to its addictive and euphoric effects.
• Understanding this mechanism helps explain the intense pleasure and addiction associated with cocaine use.