TEACHABLE MEDICAL NEWS

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Tag: neurotransmitter

Can Leucovorin, a drug similar to vitamin B9, really treat brain disorders?

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On October 30, 2026

In metabolism, nervous system

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – concept of one gene, one protein, in this case, the MTHF transporter in the choroid plexus
  2. cellular basis of life chapter – concept of gene mutation leading to protein malfunction such as the MTHF transporter in the choroid plexus
  3. nervous system chapter – location and function of the choroid plexus
  4. nervous system chapter – structure and function of the blood-brain barrier

The news item:  Recently this news article appeared online:

FDA approves new use of synthetic vitamin B9 – but not for autism symptoms

The FDA announced a new approved use for the drug leucovorin, which Trump has touted as a treatment for autism. But the approval is for cerebral folate deficiency.

The article states that Leucovorin was approved to treat cerebral folate deficiency which appears at the frequency of 1 in 1 million people. However, doctors have also been using it to treat autism. The FDA approval does not indicate use for autism, because there is no sufficient data about it.

So, Why Do I Care??  While cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) is a very low frequency disorder, found in about 300-400 people in the US, it is important to search for a remedy, because what we learn from the CFD treatment might be useful in other nervous system disorders, such as autism.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about how folate (also can be called folic acid) deficiency lowers the functioning of the brain. Folic acid (vitamin B9) absorption to methyl tetrahydro-folate (MTHF), and active transport through the choroid plexus moves MTHF into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). From the CSF neurons can import MTHF for the purpose of stimulating neurotransmitter (dopamine, serotonin) synthesis, helping to neutralize free radicals, and for proper regulation of gene expression for neuronal development and maturation (myelination). In disorders where the MTHF transporter is disabled because of a mutation, then MTHF is not available for the neurons, thus neurotransmitter levels become abnormal, neuronal connections form only poorly, and myelination is incomplete.

Second, let’s talk about how Leucovorin acts as a remedy for CFD. Leucovorin is a chemical form of folic acid that can efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier. With Leucovorin treatment the neurons can receive folate even when the CSF has little MTHF. Therefore, when the choroid plexus

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Can ibogaine really remedy so many nervous system disorders?

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On September 29, 2026

In cellular basis of life, nervous system

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. nervous system chapter – grey and white matter structures of the brain
  2. nervous system chapter – neurons communicate with each other using synapses
  3. nervous system chapter – neurons communicate through neurotransmitters such as serotonin

The news item:  Recently the following report appeared online:

What to know about ibogaine as Texas lawmakers eye clinical trial

Texas lawmakers are eyeing clinical trial for ibogaine as President Trump signed an executive order to speed up research into psychedelic drugs for veterans.

The article states that a chemical called ibogaine is derived from an African shrub, and that ibogaine can reduce depression, PTSD, anxiety and improves functionality in people with traumatic brain injury.

So, Why Do I Care??  Depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and traumatic brain injury lower the quality of life for tens of millions of people. The affected people are unable to perform at work, to maintain personal relationships, and function in society. Despite the availability of several medications for those conditions, many people find no relief from the available treatment options. Ibogaine offers a possible remedy for those people.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about where ibogaine interacts with the body. The ibogaine molecule is a small organic molecule derived from an African shrub, Tabernanthe iboga. Ibogaine and its metabolite, noribogaine, bind strongest to specific anatomical areas of the brain, such as the cortex, and the hippocampus, among others. These structures are all made up by grey matter, meaning they are dominated by dense networks of neuronal bodies and synapses.

Second, let’s talk about the molecular targets of ibogaine. Within the anatomical regions mentioned above, ibogaine binds to several molecules on the surface of the neurons, the wide range of molecular interactions explain the wide-ranging effects on the nervous system. Binding sites include:

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Can we relieve migraine pain by changing neurotransmitter balance in the brain?

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On December 26, 2022

In nervous system, somatic senses, tissues

TeachableMedicalNews article 12262022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. nervous tissue chapter – conduction of nerve impulses by axons of neurons
  2. nervous tissue chapter – starting a new nerve impulse by neurotransmitters
  3. brain chapter – anatomical location of thalamus and postcentral gyrus
  4. brain chapter – anatomy and function of trigeminal nerve, cranial nerve V
  5. somatic senses chapter – nerve impulse pathway from pain receptors (nociceptors)

The news item:  Recently the following report appeared online:

New migraine medication given the green light

Migraine sufferers are excited when a new anti-migraine option is available. In this case, it’s medicine called Reyvow.

The article states that migraine is a neurological disorder that causes recurring pain, sensitivity to light, and nausea. Migraine affects 30 million people worldwide, and it is the leading cause of disability. While there are approved medications to treat migraine, this new option, called Reyvow, can be taken by people who have heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke. The article also states that Reyvow activates the (5-HT) 1F receptors that increase serotonin neurotransmitters and inhibit pain pathways.

So, Why Do I Care??  According to the American Migraine Foundation over 10 million adults in the US suffer from migraine, causing each year over $11 billion economic loss from lost workdays and lost productivity.  Because existing migraine treatment do not work for all patients, new treatments are welcome, because they widen the circle of patients who can be effectively treated.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about how migraine occurs. This disorder is characterized by sudden onset feeling (perception) of headache pain, sensitivity to light, or nausea. These symptoms appear suddenly and repeatedly, and can distract and disable people from carrying out daily functions. At first it was thought that abnormal dilation (widening) of blood vessels of the brain caused it, but recently migraine has been linked to the malfunctioning of our nervous system.  According to that during migraine the neurons that make up the pain pathways create unwanted nerve impulses.

Second, let’s talk about what pain pathways are. In our nervous system the word “pathway” means a bundle of axons that carry and deliver nerve impulses to their destination. The pain-carrying nerve

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Can a steroid treatment combat postpartum depression?

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On February 8, 2020

In chemical basis of life, nervous system

TeachableMedicalNews article 02072020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. chemical basis of life chapter – lipids and steroids
  2. nervous system chapter – role of neurotransmitters in the life of a neuron
  3. nervous system chapter – effects of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters

The news item:  A new drug, called Zulresso, for the treatment of postpartum depression was in the news recently:

FDA approves first postpartum depression drug. It works quickly but costs more than $20K, report says

Brexanolone, sold as Zulresso, is delivered as a continuous IV infusion over 60 hours. It works quickly and costs $20,000 or more.

The article mentions symptoms and the frequency of postpartum depression.

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Can a street drug be used to clinically treat depression?

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On July 26, 2019

In nervous system

TeachableMedicalNews article 07262019

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. nervous system chapter – synaptic transmission
  2. nervous system chapter – excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters
  3. nervous system chapter – regulation of the level of neurotransmitters

Can a street drug be used to clinically treat depression?

The news item:  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a new treatment for depression was in the news:

FDA approves ketamine-derived nasal spray to treat depression

The medication is for people who weren’t helped by at least two other anti-depressants.

The new treatment is based on a slightly modified form of the controlled (and sometimes abused) pharmaceutical, ketamine.   The article also mentions the ineffectiveness of current anti-depression drugs, and the new treatment format.

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