Dopamine

A catecholamine neurotransmitter that occurs in a wide variety of animals, including both vertebrates and invertebrates.

A neurotransmitter responsible for increased alertness.

A neurotransmitter that governs moods and behavior plus motivation and drive.

A neurosynaptic transmitter found in the brain, specifically associated with some forms of psychosis and abnormal movement disorders.

The brain’s main reward and pleasure signal that is also involved in other functions such as addiction, motivation, movement, and memory consolidation. Dopamine together with noradrenaline and serotonin is the target of some antidepressants (less used now) that block the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) that breaks them down, and so increase their levels in the brain.

A catecholamine that is a neurotransmitter in various brain structures. Some psychologists believe that schizophrenia is based on the oversensitivity to some part of the brain.

A substance found in the medulla of the adrenal glands, which also acts as a neurotransmitter. Lack of dopamine is associated with Parkinson’s disease.

A neurotransmitter synthesized from tyrosine in the adrenal medulla and the CNS.

A crystalline amino acid that is a precursor to norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters.

A neurotransmitter located in the CNS that is important in motor control as well as certain aspects of behavior. The presence of endogenous or exogenous dopamine in the periphery also affects cardiovascular function.

Chemical found in the brain and else-where in the body that functions as a neurotransmitter. As a drug also known under the trade name Intropin it is used to treat shock and hypotension.

A neurotransmitter in the brain that is involved in the control of movement. A depletion of dopamine produces symptoms of Parkinson disease, such as rigidity, tremors, and reduced movement. Dopamine is produced in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra. It is then transported to the basal ganglia (clusters of nerve cells deep within the brain) where it helps turn on neurons that affect muscle movement.

A catecholamine derived from dopa that is an intermediate in the synthesis of norepinephrine. It is found in high concentrations in the adrenal medulla and is also in the brain, in the caudate nucleus, where it may function as a neurotransmitter.

Dopamine is one of the catecholamines and a precursor of noradrenaline. Its highest concentration is in that portion of the brain known as the basal nuclei where its function is to convey inhibitory influences to the extrapyramidal system. There is good evidence that dopamine deficiency is one of the causative factors in parkinsonism.

A catecholamine synthesized by the adrenal gland. Synthetic dopamine (d. hydrochloride) is used to treat cardiogenic and septic shock. Dopamine affects nerves and blood vessels, among other tissues. In the brain, it works as a neurotransmitter, affecting cells that influence body movement, emotional states, and pleasure/reward. Its effects on receptors in the kidneys, blood vessels, and heart vary with the dose of the drug that is given. At low doses, about 2.0 to 10.0 gg/ kg/min, it increases the force of heart muscle contraction, improves cardiac output, and increases heart rate. High doses (more than 10.0 pg/kg/min) elevate blood pressure by causing vasoconstriction.

One of the “feel good” neurotransmitters that can elevate mood states; in the brain it also is important for regulating motor movements.

Ab rain chemical that carries messages to other cells and triggers pleasurable feelings.

Dopamine, a crucial chemical neurotransmitter, plays a pivotal role in inducing heightened levels of energy, alertness, and arousal in the brain. However, if the dopamine levels become abnormally high, it can lead to excessive anxiety, which can escalate to the point of triggering aggressiveness and paranoia. Additionally, an overabundance of this “brain alert” triggers the production of hormones that promote the locking down of fat cells, thereby leading to an increased risk of obesity.

Within the intricate network of brain tissue, there exists a remarkable compound that fulfills a crucial role in the transmission of nerve impulses while also contributing to the regulation of movement and emotions.