A Paradigm Shift in Brain Research (1955-1970): Opportunities and Challenges
Abstract
When science began considering the brain from a chemistry rather than electrical standpoint, this marked the beginning of new perspectives on how this complex organ operated. Seminal work relating to dopamine helped to introduce the breakthrough concept of neurotransmitters leading to the understanding of the numerous circuitries within the brain. The observance of decreased dopamine levels when anti-psychotic drugs were administered helped to launch new medical treatments especially for patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Today stabilizer compounds are being tested to provide beneficial therapies for both elevated or decreased levels of dopamine as well as for other medical conditions.
This article was transcribed from a presentation delivered by Professor Carlsson at the Molecular Frontiers Symposium at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, May 2014. It is published here in MFJ with permission from Professor Carlsson.
