Re: What happens to your body when you fall in love

Date: Sun Feb 25 20:39:25 2001
Posted By: Phyllis Pugh, Post-doc/Fellow, Neurobio
Area of science: General Biology
ID: 980412778.Gb

Message:

Hi Suzanne,

You have asked a very interesting question, one that is actually related to current biomedical research. We are learning a whole lot about what kind of substances are found in the signalling pathways of "love." Since I'm not sure just how much detail you need, I will give you an overview of the substances, and some links to follow. If you need to know the body systems that effected by the substances, you can either write back, or take a look through one of the neuroscience websites.

Basically, what we know about the feelings that are associated with "love" is that they are related to certain chemicals that are released in the body of those "in love." One of those substances is b-phenylethylamine (PEA) norepinephrine. This substance triggers the breakdown of glycogen and triacylglycerols, which provides the body a boost of energy. That's the "high" of being "in love."

For more information, I would suggest:

Another topic that is related is the effect of chocolate on the brain. Many people feel like it is related to "love," however current research suggests that it is more related the combination of sugar and fat, although with chocolate's PEA and caffiene equivalent, it makes for a pretty potent mix. For a little more on this end, I suggest:

http:// www.nexuspub.com/sept2000/chocolate.htm
http:// www.biotrek.com/cgi-bin/ViewProduct.cgi?product=BT0013 -- be careful, this is a little more of a commercial than real science information

If you need some good references on the brain systems involved, I would start with Neuroscience for Kids and work my way up.

Good luck. Hope this helps!

Phyllis

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