Projections to the limbic system structures primarily from the Reticular formations and the projections between the limbic system structures involve various neurotransmitters.

(1) Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS and is used by many of these projections.

(2) Serotonin a (5HT) is a major  monomine used primarily by raphe (mid-line) nuclei in the “Reticular Formation.” Raphe nuclei are a collection of cellular groups extending from the medulla into the mid-brain.

(3) Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is used by the VTA located in the mid-brain. Its a major player in addictions.

(4) Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter used primarily by the nucleus locos coeruleus, a small but important nucleus of the pontine region of the Reticular formations involved in a variety of functions including selective attention, the regulation of blood flow in the brain and sleep wake cycles.

(5) Gaba is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in limbic system projections and is also used by many inter-neurons  in the limbic structures.

Other major neuron-modulators are including hormones are involved in the system. Opioids are naturally occurring “morphine like peptides” in the brain (for example endorphins) they are found in the areas of the brain involved in physical and emotional pain modulation. Oxytocin like the “Love” molecule a peptide hormone released by the hypothalamus plays a role in the number of processes including social bonding with other social animals.

The limbic system also gives us what we refer to as mood and temperament which neuroscientists define separately;

(1) MOOD is an emotional response that fluctuates

(2) Temperament is a stable group of characteristics of individuals related to how the limbic system is wired.

Neuro-scientists have made a distinction between an emotion and feeling.

An emotion is a basic physiological state that has to do with your autonomic nervous system and the changes that take place in your body as a result of the limbic system’s reaction to something.

A feeling is the internal subjective state that you experience.

We know that the feedback from the body is important in the brain’s construction of feeling. The brain uses the feed back from the body in part to construct an appropriate feeling. These recognitions are important.

The limbic systems takes our experience, our expectation as our expectation, as the social content of our lives and other factors and constructs, the appropriate feelings whether it is positive or negative.

In conclusion Major damage can occur in emotional disturbances, personality changes and cognitive dysfunction can occur from lesians or any damage to the nuclei, or to any disruption in the nuclei system or the neurotransmitter balance. And this attack on our biology was absolutely an interruption on the biochemicals, the interruption of moods, of  the balance people need for life. You cannot have a bio-warfare event without causing major major damage to the interconnected integrative brain system called the Reticular Formation. The physiological event that has shown as evidence of harm to the system…Clots in the veins.

 

Written by Carolyn d Hogarth’s knowledge and education from Neuroscience. “Understanding the Optimum brain”

CD Hogarth ………………..