About Dopamine

Overview

Dopamine is a neuron produced in the brain that serves the body in several important capacities, most notably as a hormone and neurotransmitter. From these two capacities, dopamine regulates key functions within the cognitive brain and central nervous system. Dopamine plays a significant role in the body's controlled movement, sociability and the interpretation of pain and desire.

Anatomy

While dopamine is produced in various parts of the brain, much of this production is concentrated in the inner mid-brain region, at and near the hypothalamus. From here, dopamine functions as a neurotransmitter, regulating various biochemical processes throughout the central nervous system. The full range of effects of dopamine upon the human body is still unknown.

Hormone

In addition to being a neurotransmitter, dopamine is a member of the catecholamine family. Catecholamines are hormones synthesized by the body's adrenal glands, just above the kidneys, during periods of physical and emotional stress. Norepinephrine, epinephrine (adrenalin) and dopamine are the major catecholamines processed by the adrenal glands in these periods.

Psychological Function

Dopamine is known for its significant effects upon the psychological function of the human brain. It is essential for establishing creative drive, and is generally linked to movement or behavior based upon an anticipatory response. Several behavioral and social disorders, such as schizophrenia, social withdrawal, and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), are routinely treated by manipulating the brain's dopamine levels.

Certain antipsychotic drugs meant to reduce the body's dopamine levels have had documented side effects such as lowered motivation, and in some cases, anhedonia (the loss of ability to experience pleasure).

Movement

Dopamine plays a critical role in the control of basic movement. Dopamine regulates the firing patterns and intensity of neurons through ultra-short pathways in the basal ganglia, the region of the brain which controls fine muscle movement.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder in which victims display a loss of ability for smooth and controlled movement, is a complex condition for which the cause is still unclear. However, diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is generally characterized by a severe depletion of dopamine in the basal ganglia and pre-frontal cortex.

Perception

Dopamine has enjoyed a general public perception of being the body's pleasure chemical. This is due to significant increases in dopamine release with consumption of human behaviors and desirables, such as food, sex, drugs and gambling, creating a perception that its production may be linked to the phenomenon of addiction.