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- Glossary
Dopamine
Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter in the central nervous system that belongs to the catecholamine group. It plays a role in motor function, motivation, emotion, and cognitive processes. Disruptions in the function of this transmitter play a role in many brain disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, Parkinson's disease, and substance dependence.
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- Glossary
Electroconvulsive therapy
A therapeutic procedure with temporary positive effects, used primarily for severe or treatment-resistant depression and catatonia. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) – colloquially referred to as "electroshock therapy" – was developed in the 1930s. Under controlled conditions, electrical stimulation triggers a brief epileptic seizure, which causes neurobiological changes. It is performed exclusively under general anesthesia and muscle relaxation.
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- Glossary
Lewy body dementia
A neurodegenerative disease that resembles Alzheimer's disease, but also Parkinson's disease in its symptoms. The Lewy bodies that give the disease its name are caused by protein deposits in the nerve cells of the cerebral cortex and brain stem, which impair the function of the corresponding neurons. In addition to cognitive impairment, Lewy body dementia often causes hallucinations or depression, as well as changes in mobility similar to those seen in Parkinson's disease.
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- Glossary
NMDA receptor
NMDA receptors are specialized receptor channels in the membrane of nerve cells that only open under very specific conditions. First, the neurotransmitter glutamate must bind to the receptor, and second, the receptor needs a cofactor such as glycine or D-serine. In addition, the postsynaptic cell membrane must be depolarized so that the magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) normally located in the channel pore is removed. If these conditions are met, an ion channel opens in the center of the receptor and allows calcium ions (Ca²⁺) in particular, but also sodium ions (Na⁺), to flow into the cell, while potassium ions (K⁺) flow out of the cell. The cell can respond to the influx of calcium in a variety of ways. NMDA receptors enable the brain to modify synaptic connections throughout life. They are crucial for forms of synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) and thus play a central role in the formation and storage of memory content.
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- Glossary
Plasticity
The term neuroplasticity describes the ability of synapses, nerve cells, and entire areas of the brain to change structurally and functionally depending on the degree to which they are used. Synaptic plasticity refers to the adaptation of the signal transmission strength of synapses to the frequency and intensity of incoming stimuli, for example in the form of long-term potentiation or depression. In addition, the size, interconnection, and activity patterns of different areas of the brain also change depending on their use. This phenomenon is referred to as cortical plasticity when it specifically affects the cortex.
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- Topic
Diseases
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- Topic
The future of psychiatry
Urgently sought: New insights into causes and possibilities
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- Think
- Emotions
Addicted to Love
They say love is blind. Neurobiologists have discovered that this is true. What's more, it's also addictive.
20.12.2011
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- News from the Institutes
Insight into schizophrenia disease mechanisms found in the eye
Impaired neuronal connectivity in the retina
17.02.2025
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- News from the Institutes
How disturbed signaling pathways could promote epileptic seizures
For the first time, a research team in Bonn is systematically investigating the role of the dopamine system in a common form of therapy-resistant epilepsy.
15.04.2025
