Posted by Andrew (12.35.165.68) on November 16, 2000 at 10:40:38:
In Reply to: depression or bust posted by annemarie on August 21, 2000 at 08:53:36:
Pain is the transmission of a neurotransmitter called substance P. Basically, you feel pain in the areas of the peripheral nerves that stimulated the release of substance P. Opiates work by binding to presynaptic opiod receptors, inhibiting its transmission. Serotonin can also be a painkiller by inhibiting the production of substance P I think, and possibly by blocking pathways through which it is transmitted. Migraines are caused by stimulation of the 5ht2C receptor, stimulating the trigeminal nerves, the sensory facial and jaw motor nerves, which causes plasma extravasation, a compopnent of neurogenic inflammation, and thus a migraine.