Dopamine

Dopamine is a chemical naturally produced in the body. In the brain, dopamine functions as a neurotransmitter, activating dopamine receptors. Dopamine is also a neurohormone released by the hypothalamus. Its main function as a hormone is to inhibit the release of prolactin from the anterior lobe of the pituitary.

Biochemistry

Dopamine has the chemical formula (C6H3(OH)2-CH2-CH2-NH2). Its chemical name is 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol and it is abbreviated "DA."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As a member of the catecholamine family, dopamine is a precursor to epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) in the biosynthetic pathways for these neurotransmitters. Arvid Carlsson won a share of the 2000 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for showing that dopamine is not just a precursor to these, but is a neurotransmitter as well.

Related Topics:
Catecholamine - Epinephrine - Adrenaline - Norepinephrine - Noradrenaline - Arvid Carlsson - 2000 - Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dopamine is synthesized in the body (mainly by nervous tissue and adrenal glands) by the decarboxylation of DOPA by aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase. In neurons, dopamine is packaged after synthesis into vesicles, which are then released in response to the presynaptic action potential. The inactivation mechanism of neurotransmission are 1) uptake via a specific transporter; 2) enzymatic breakdown; and 3) diffusion. Uptake back to the presynaptic neuron via the dopamine transporter is the major role in the inactivation of dopamine neurotransmission. The recycled dopamine will face either breakdown by an enzyme or be re-package into vesicles and reused.

Related Topics:
Decarboxylation - DOPA - Aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase - Neuron - Action potential - Dopamine transporter

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~