Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Cocaine = love?
I just recently read an article on CNN about how a person’s brain recognizes a loved one’s face. Interestingly enough, the caudate nucleus shows increased activity when a test subject is allowed to see the face of his/her beloved. After doing some research on the caudate nucleus and the types of receptors most active in that region of the brain, I found that this particular nucleus in the brain has a high density of dopamine receptors. Dopamine is a relatively simple structure containing an aromatic benzene ring with 2 hydroxyl groups and a CH2(2)NH2 group branching off. More interesting was the fact that increased levels of dopamine in the caudate nucleus enables the person to feel a very pleasurable feeling, often described as the feeling of “being in love”. When scientists tested cocaine on subjects, they found that exactly the same system is activated as in the “love” system, and that this may explain cocaine-users' feelings when on this drug. Furthermore, dopamine precursors can be found in various foods and can contribute to this pleasurable feeling. It’s been found that apples, honey, cheese, watermelon, tofu, and celery among other common foods can temporarily increase the amount of dopamine production in the brain. Some researchers claim that a “pleasurable” feeling gained shortly after eating these foods is completely different than naturally found aphrodisiacs and may, in theory, play an important role in social relationships. Does this mean that it would be better to give that special someone a bag of apples instead of a box of chocolates on Valentines Day? I doubt it.
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I have an interesting addition to your article. It is true that increased amounts of dopamine in that area of the brain enhances the "pleasure" being felt by the individual. However, research also shows that the amount of dopamine receptors is also involved in the sensation felt by the individual. In fact, since dopamine is part of the human brain's reward system, an excess amount of dopamine receptors is thought to be the cause for some addictive behaviors.
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