D2 receptor
D2 receptor
The D2 receptor (pronounced "dee-two receptor") is a type of dopamine receptor, which is a protein that responds to the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Etymology
The term "D2 receptor" is derived from the word "dopamine", which is itself derived from the words "dopa" (an abbreviation for 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) and "amine" (a type of organic compound derived from ammonia). The "2" in "D2 receptor" refers to the fact that this is the second subtype of dopamine receptor to be discovered.
Function
The D2 receptor is primarily found in the striatum and nucleus accumbens, two areas of the brain that are involved in reward and motivation. When dopamine binds to the D2 receptor, it inhibits the release of certain neurotransmitters, including glutamate and GABA. This can have a variety of effects on behavior and cognition, including influencing motivation, pleasure, and reward.
Related terms
- Dopamine: A neurotransmitter that is involved in reward, motivation, and pleasure.
- Dopamine receptor: A protein that responds to dopamine.
- Striatum: A part of the brain that is involved in reward and motivation.
- Nucleus accumbens: Another part of the brain that is involved in reward and motivation.
- Glutamate: A neurotransmitter that is involved in excitatory signaling in the brain.
- GABA: A neurotransmitter that is involved in inhibitory signaling in the brain.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on D2 receptor
- Wikipedia's article - D2 receptor
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