Biomedical subjects

W T Blows

Publications and source records attributed to W T Blows.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

The neurobiology of antidepressants.

Raising neurotransmitter levels is only one means by which antidepressants act. The activity of modern drugs appears to readjust the balance between serotonin and noradrenaline by more fundamental means. Likely mechanisms include correction of the diminished sensitivity and numbers of specific serotonin and noradrenaline receptors found in depression. Also responsible may be changes in the normal pattern of movements of these transmitters across the synaptic membranes within the diffuse modulatory systems. It is possible that by increasing the serotonin levels these drugs may increase neurogenesis, suggesting that neuronal losses may be a fundamental cause of the symptoms.

Antidepressive Agents↗

PubMed2000

Neurotransmitters of the brain: serotonin, noradrenaline (norepinephrine), and dopamine.

Serotonin and noradrenaline strongly influence mental behavior patterns, while dopamine is involved in movement. These three substances are therefore fundamental to normal brain function. For this reason they have been the center of neuroscientific study for many years. In the process of this study, new understanding has been gained of the neurochemistry of several important mental health disorders, especially depression and schizophrenia, as well as epilepsy. Such knowledge offers new opportunities for advancements in neuropharmacology, for example, the development of new drugs specific to certain receptor types that will provide relief of symptoms for many sufferers.

Brain↗

PubMed1999

Diaphragmatic cramp as a possible cause of noncardiac chest pain and referred mandibular pain.

The initial assumption that sudden acute chest pain may be of cardiac origin is justifiable, but when this proves not to be the case the patient is left with little explanation of the cause. It is suggested here that diaphragmatic cramp may be a cause of some undiagnosed noncardiac chest pains associated with mandibular referred pain. The phrenic nerve provides both motor and sensory innervation to the diaphragm, while the trigeminal nerve carries sensation from the mandibular teeth. Both nerves originate in separate nuclei close together in the lower medulla. Interconnections between these nuclei and others higher up in the brain may provide one explanation for this problem.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

PubMed1998

Crowd physiology: the 'penguin effect'.

The effects of heat retention on an individual in a crowd situation (the 'penguin effect') is introduced and described, with implications for the emergency services and the potential casualties themselves discussed. Management of anyone who collapses in the core of a crowd should involve much more than first-aid treatment for fainting. Some people may die from the effect.

Crowding↗