Chemical Mediators in the Brain

¶ … chemical mediators in the brain that facilitate the exchange of information between cells. The most fascinating work currently are those that deal with chemical mediators that scientists have been able to put in aerosol form such as oxytocin, 'chocolate amphetamine' phenylethylamine and the central chemical mediator, dopamine. These types of chemical mediators open up the subject to be receptive to interaction and to accept the chemical mediators in the communication process. Besides opening up communication, they can be used to facilitate communication not just before and after sex, but in "civilizing" a number of other human situations as well.

Only now, scientists are beginning to understand the underlying chemical basis for cellular communication. The chemical process facilitates communication in higher organisms that are composed of a multitude of cell types. Each cell type possesses specialized physiological functions. Their co-existence is only possible if they can "talk" with each other and can exchange information concerning their needs. Cell signaling results either from direct interaction of a cell with the next cell (juxtacrine signaling) or from the exchange of small molecules (chemical messengers). The messengers will only excite cells set to receive the message that is receptor cells that are set up to receive the message. This is brought about by a two stage process of recognition and then reception of the chemical message (Vauquelin, & von Mentzer, 2007, p. 1-2).

Oxytocin is called the "hormone of love" or the "cuddle hormone." It is released in the brain during orgasm, childbirth and breast feeding. Oxytocin is a nine amino acid peptide that is synthesized in hypothalamic neurons and is transported down axons of the posterior pituitary for its secretion into the bloodstream. It is also secreted inside the brain and from other tissues, such as the ovaries and testes ("Oxytocin, " 2010).

Oxytocin has been best studied in females where it mediates three major effects, including stimulation of milk ejection (milk letdown), stimulation of uterine smooth muscle contraction at birth and the establishment of maternal behavior (ibid). In males, the synthesize oxytocin in the same regions of the hypothalamus as in females as within the testes and other reproductive tissues (ibid). Oxytocin spray is available for nasal inhalation ("The molecular biology,"). Its effects are disputed (Caston, 2010). .

Pulses of oxytocin have been detected during ejaculation. It is involved in facilitating sperm transport within the male reproductive system as well as in females because it is present in the seminal fluid. It has effects on male sexual behavior as well (ibid).

Phenylethylamine has been identified as the key ingredient in chocolate or "love-chemical." However, the importance is disputed. Most of the chocolate-derived phenylethylamine is metabolized before it reaches the central nervous system. Some people may be sensitive to its effects in very small quantities, which would indicate why it is still effective ("Chocolate,").

Phenylethylamine naturally occurs as a trace amine in the brain. It releases dopamine in the mesolimbic pleasure-centers and peaks during orgasm. In the laboratory, and in unnaturally high doses it can produce stereotyped behavior more prominently than even than amphetamine (ibid).

Phenylethylamine has very distinct binding sites but not specific neurons. It helps mediate feelings of attraction, excitement, giddiness, apprehension and euphoria; but it has also been described as an endogenous anxiogen. One of its metabolites is high in subjects with paranoid schizophrenia (ibid).

Phenylethylamine has been theorized to cause depression. Monoamine oxidase type-b is equated as phenylethylaminase. The use of a selective MAO-b inhibitor, such as selegiline (l-deprenyl, Eldepryl) or rasagiline (Azilect) can accentuate the effects of chocolate (ibid).

In not just sex, but in all addictive behaviors, dopamine is released . Dopamine is released following high levels of addictive activity. We are not really addicted to the activity, but to the chemical mediator itself (Robinson, 2004).

High levels of dopamine bring about reckless and self-destructive behavior. This is why most mammals evolved with defined estrus periods when they "go into heat." Mostly, they are neutral the rest at other times about sexual activity. While we as humans do not go into heat, dopamine has an "off-switch" that makes us not desire the activity later (ibid).