An introductory text reads, Messages travel within a neuron via electrical signals. But communication between neurons depends on the movement of chemicals- neurotransmitters. Though they all work in the same way, there are many different types of neurotransmitters, each linked to unique effects on behavior. However, drugs and other substances, known as agonists (in italics) and antagonists (in italics), can alter this process of communication between neurons by boosting or blocking normal neurotransmitter activity.
The infographic shows a magnified view of the terminal buttons of two neurons, communicating with each other. The action potential reaches the axon terminal of the sending neuron to the axon terminal of the receiving neuron. Vesicles containing several small circular structures labeled Neurotransmitter molecules, which released into synaptic gaps passes through the receptor sites and enter into the receiving neuron. The steps for normal neurotransmission are given as follows:
There is a split from the synapse that shows Boost and Block with a text reads, Drugs and other substances can alter normal neurotransmission.
Boost: A magnified view of synapse shows small circular structures labeled Agonists entering the receiving neuron through receptor sites. A photo shows a person smoking with a text that reads, Agonists boost normal Neurotransmitter activity. Nicotine mimics acetylcholine and causes this same activation. More receptors are activated, and more messages are sent.
Block: A magnified view of synapse shows small flattened structures labeled Antagonists entering the receiving neuron through receptor sites. A photo shows a man using a blowgun with text that reads, Antagonists block normal neurotransmitter activity. Curare, the paralyzing poison used on blowgun darts, acts as an acetylcholine antagonist. It blocks acetylcholine receptors, preventing the neurotransmitter from activating them, so fewer messages are sent.