The overstimulation of dopamine receptors may lead to cell damage or death in the nucleus accumbens
The dopamine receptor–harboring nucleus accumbens neurons are fragile. They want to be tickled; that’s why they have dopamine receptors in the first place. But they’re very sensitive; they don’t want to be bludgeoned. If you open the dopamine floodgates repeatedly, these neurons have some fail-safe methods built in to protect themselves. The goal is to have an optimal level of dopamine receptors so that even a minuscule dopamine rush can find an open receptor and generate a unique pleasure from the experience. Obviously, a bigger rush will occupy more receptors and generate a bigger reward. But stimulating the dopamine receptors excites that next neuron in the nucleus accumbens, and overstimulation with multiple rapid firings can cause those receptor-containing neurons to go into overdrive, potentially leading to cell damage or death, termed excitotoxicity.
References
- Lustig, H., Robert. (2017). The Hacking of the American Mind The Science Behind the Corporate Takeover of Our Bodies and Brains Chapter 3. Desire and Dopamine, Pleasure and Opioids (Location 950). New York, NY: Penguin Random House.
Metadata
Type:🔴 Tags: Biology / Neuroscience / Biochemistry / Neurochemistry Status:☀️