Posted by llrrrpp on August 1, 2006, at 0:14:07
In reply to Caffeine/Coffee, posted by jealibeanz on July 31, 2006, at 17:21:20
Caffeine is a little complicated, because it's main mechanism of action is not to bind to some receptor (like a serotonin receptor) but rather to increase certain cells' production of somethingerother. Here's a run-down of the theories: I got this off of
http://groups.msn.com/FoodiesCorner/caffeineaddiction.msnw
Calcium Mobility Theory: Caffeine influences the body's response to neutrotransmitters through affecting the output of neuromediators which indirectly increases the influx of calcium ions into the cells adn therefore increases the force of contraction of the heart muscles
Phosphodiesterase Inhibition: The human body stores energy in the muscles in the form of sugars called glycogens. When you need a burst of energy, glycogen is released and burned as fuel. In the 1950s, researchers disocvered a hormone called cAMP (cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate) mediates the actions of many neurotransmitters and hormones of the nervous system. It is believed that caffeine may trigger cAMP to regular glycogen.
Adenosine Blockage: Adenosine is a neuromodulator with mood depressing, hypnotic and anticonvulsant properties and tends to induce hypotension, descreases the rate of spontaneous nerve cell firing. It is believed that caffeine's mechanism of action acts as a competitive antagonist of adenosins and achieves most of its stimulant effects by blocking the uptake and actions of Adenosine.****
as you can see, because adenosine is such a widespread neuromodulator, caffeine has the potential to act on neurons that secrete or receive many different neurotransmitters. It's pretty messy up there in our brains, huh?Stick with the coffee, if it's helping-- great for you. I for one would definitely would rather spend my money on yummy coffee than pills. Mention this to your pdoc, and she might have some interesting ideas too.
best,
-ll
poster:llrrrpp
thread:672370
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060724/msgs/672469.html