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Posts: 1443
Feb 27 08 6:18 PM
One way ETS may create this imbalance in the autonomic nervous system is by blocking or reducing dopamine - a sympathetic nervous system transmitter. When dopamine (SNS neurotransmitter) levels are lowered, as seemingly after ETS, elevated serotonin levels are usually seen. The serotonin becomes an antagonist. Pubmed studies have found these very imbalances and increased serotonin levels in rats following cervical sympathectomies. Stressed animals also had too much serotonin. It seems that without adrenaline to balance the serotonin side effects, the serotonin becomes a major antagonist. Dopamine plays a role in the enjoyment of activities. Low levels of dopamine may lead to loss of enjoyment in daily activities. Dopamine is also converted in the body into the hormone norepinephrine and plays a role in energy levels. Low levels also seem to have an effect on a person's general mood. Anti -depressants such as Ritalin often raises low serotonin levels to balance with the dopamine. Dopamine plays a role in enjoying activities. Low levels of dopamine may lead to the feeling that nothing you do is enjoyable anymore. Dopamine is also converted in the body into the hormone norepinephrine. It also plays a role in energy levels. When norepinephrine is released into the body it speeds up the heart, opens the lungs up, and triggers the increased burning of food for energy. Low levels of norepinephrine can cause sluggishness and physical and mental stress. Low levels also have an effect on a person's general mood. It would appear illogical for doctors to perform ETS to treat addictions because low levels of dopamine have been found in people with addictions. Experiments designed to test whether an increase in dopamine receptors could prevent drug abuse have proved effective. ETS would most likely cause a decrease in dopamine because it is a sympathetic nervous system neurotransmitter - the very system doctors cut/clamp ( I even have a renewed craving for cigarettes since ETS - no doubt my body trying to raise dopamine levels.
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