Word: serotonin
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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Over the past two decades, researchers have learned that stress triggers chemical changes in the brain. Particularly sensitive to emotional strains are the concentrations of potent chemicals called neurotransmitters, which act as messengers between nerve cells. Among these messengers: serotonin, epinephrine (previously called adrenaline), norepinephrine, acetylcholine and dopamine. In a study at Stanford, rats were forced to swim in 4°C water for three minutes. Examination of their brain tissue afterward revealed that levels of norepinephrine had fallen 20% and epinephrine 30% to 40%. Scientists also discovered that the body produces its own painkillers, morphine-like chemicals named endorphins...