Posted by Adam on September 7, 2001, at 14:55:03
In reply to Re: Cam, could you please explain me something?, posted by Cam W. on September 7, 2001, at 9:53:39
In defense of reductionism (as opposed to oversimplification, which one might call "naive reductionism"), looking only at a spark plug will not tell you much about an engine, but looking at an engine without knowing about spark plugs would leave you pretty mystified as to how the damn thing works. The key is to find all the little bits and pieces without losing sight of the "big picture". Most good scientists know they work with imperfect models and incomplete pictures, and do the best they can with what they've got. If they're responsible, they look at the excellent summary you gave, seeing it as a means to a better end, a framework upon which to build a more complete, and, in all likelihood, more accurate picture.
Sadly, being people, we sometimes get a little too fond of our models, flawed as they are, and that can lead one down many a blind alley. Reductionism is perilous if it is seen as an end rather than a means, but, used wisely, it is a powerful approach.
> Micha - For years, scientists have been breaking the brain down into smaller and smaller parts to see how it works (reductionism). Now that they have got down to neurotransmitters, second messenger systems, and especially gene transcription.
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> I like to use the "automobile as human body" analogy. It he brain were the engine, then when we get down to the neurotransmitter level, we can equate (say) serotonin to spark plugs of the electrical system. Now, an isolated spark plug does not do much; it does not tell us how the car runs. We have to step back from the spark plug to see how it works in relation to the rest of parts it attaches to (and also what those other parts attach to).
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> Of course, the brain is a much more complex piece of machinery than a car, and the analogy is far from perfect; but I hope you can see what I am trying to say. As for the functions of serotonin and norepinephrine, I will give an oversimplified answer of their effects. A far more in depth explanation can be found at the following website:
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> http://www.acnp.org/g4/4thgen.php
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> Serotonin: Involved in: sleep initiation, impulsivity, mood modulation, pain modulation, modulation of aggression, control of anxiety, maintenance of alertness.
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> Norepinephrine: Involved in: sleep maintenance, mood modulation, energy, interest, vigilance, self-perception.
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> Serotonin + Norepinephrine: Involved in: anxiety and irritability.
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> Serotonin + Norepinephrine + Dopamine: Involved in: mood, emotion, and cognitive function.
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> As for the pharmacology of Kava Kava, I have no idea. I have never seen serotonin syndrome result from the use of an SSRI and Kava Kava. I have seen some fairly nasty, flaking rashes result from the use of high doses of Kava Kava, over a long period of time, though.
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> I hope that this (and the link) are of some use to you. - Cam
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poster:Adam
thread:78136
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010907/msgs/78183.html