Hey stranger
(continued) If that's the case, it could mean that, since the mu-opioid receptors play role in the rewarding effects of oxytocin, that oxytocin itself is releasing phenethylamine. That would be awesome if true! It's said that phenethylamine highs alone die out over time and that's why the rush of a relationship wears off, but the more intimate you are with your partner the more oxytocin is released, and the amazing thing about oxytocin is that it has reverse tolerance, so that's how long-term relationships are held together. Oxytocin is supposed to be the bonding hormone, the main chemical released by MDMA, so it makes sense. If it's really slowly sensitizing us to the effects of our brain's natural speed, then it definitely just got even better in my book. This message has already gone on much longer than I intended lol. I guess I'll stop there. X)
(continued) I'm going to have to look more into this.... Actually, now that I think about it, I was recently shown a study verifying that phenethylamine plays a role in the effects of THC. I've learned a lot more about phenethylamine lately too, in the right situations it's basically like endogenous amphetamine in the things that it effects but more comparable to cocaine in the strength of its effects, and it seems to be a large player in sexual stimulation. The endocannabinoid systems and endorphin systems are very closely tied and lately I've been reading a lot about couplings of CB1 and mu-opioid receptors in the nucleus accumbens, and I have read in the past that opioids induce the release of phenethylamine as well, so I wonder if they're doing it through an interaction at that site?
(continued) Actually, I wonder if that's why some opioids are known to be more stimulating than others? Mu receptors are said to release dopamine through 5-HT2A after all, which would probably make you more energized without the lack of oxytocin.... It's an interesting thought because enkephalin, the primary endogenous delta agonist, also has some affinity for the mu receptor. It could be that oxytocin and enkaphalin are meant to be diametrically opposed as far as social effects go while still causing the same type of euphoria, in the same way that endocannabinoids regulate the dopamine system to cause the same rewarding effects but have the opposite locomotor effects.
Haha, it's still like fall weather here. I have doubts that it'll even snow this year, though I hope I'm proven wrong. I wouldn't mind having something to blame my laziness on for a while. I'm glad to know I've left a good impression. Well, my thoughts have been going a mile a minute lately, but mainly what I've been obsessing about lately is oxytocin, and enkephalin to a lesser extent. I'm pretty sure now that the big three types of downer highs - opiates/oids, GABAergics, and cannabinoids - can all be linked to activation of delta-opioid receptors, and that their "antisocial" (inward-focusing) effects might be linked to the resultant decrease in oxytocin levels. Interestingly, there seems to be a link between the antinociception induced by oxytocin and the mu-opioid receptor, so for direct-acting opioid agonists this may only apply to ligands with significant affinity for both mu and delta receptors, like morphine.
A break, and so even more time for researching eh. You know, I still picture you as a mad scientist (more like an alchemist) -- any breakthroughs on that front? Brr, I'm trying to adjust to the cold.... it's not so good for my lazy sort of character.
Hey! Not bad, it's getting close to the end of the semester so I'm looking forward to winter break. I've mostly just been focusing on school stuff lately, and researching as always. How are you?
Hey ^_^ Haven't been on in ages. How're things?
Hey, I had a dream about you for once and you ignored me the whole time. >:C
Ah, that sounds cool too. You should post a picture when you get it done. Hehe, it was a miracle that I remembered that by now, I've just gotta keep it in mind for another seven months or so lol. Nothing planned for me as of yet... I kind of sat most Halloweens out before. I might try to hit up a party or something, but that's about as far as I've gotten. I am probably going to be checking out what is supposedly the Guinness record holder for scariest and longest-lasting inside haunted house though, so that should be cool. :3 So how have you been lately?
