Posted by linkadge on July 8, 2005, at 22:30:29
In reply to Re: Regarding the whole Chemical Imbalance thing, posted by linkadge on July 8, 2005, at 21:57:36
Taken from:
http://biopsychiatry.com/serotonin/gene-brain.html
The gene codes for the serotonin transporter, the protein in brain cells that recycles the chemical messenger after it's been secreted into the synapse, the gulf between cells. Since the most widely prescribed class of antidepressants act by blocking this protein, researchers have focused on possible functional consequences of a slight variation in its DNA sequence across individuals. Everyone inherits two copies of the gene, one from each parent, which comes in two common versions: short and long. The short version makes less protein, resulting in less recycling, increased levels of serotonin in the synapse, and more serotonin-triggered cellular activity. Previous NIMH-supported studies had shown that inheriting the short variant more than doubles risk of depression following life stresses,** boosts amygdala activity while viewing scary faces,*** and has been linked to anxious temperament. Yet, how it works at the level of brain circuitry remained a mystery.
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This is the exact opposite to what you'd expect.
They don't comment on that though.Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:525148
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050708/msgs/525251.html