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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>== Dopamine ==<br />
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[[File:DopAmide.png|Dopamine molecule structure|thumb|right]]<br />
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'''Dopamine''' is a type of [[neurotransmitter]] that plays several important roles in the brain and body. It is an organic chemical of the [[catecholamine]] and [[phenethylamine]] families. In the brain, dopamine functions as a neurotransmitter—a chemical released by neurons (nerve cells) to send signals to other nerve cells. The brain includes several distinct dopamine pathways, one of which plays a major role in the motivational component of [[reward-motivated behavior]].<br />
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== Function ==<br />
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Dopamine is involved in many functions, including:<br />
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* '''Movement''': Dopamine is critical for the coordination of body movements. It is produced in the [[substantia nigra]], a part of the brain that is involved in movement control. A deficiency of dopamine in this area is associated with [[Parkinson's disease]].<br />
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* '''Reward and Pleasure''': Dopamine is often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter. It is released during pleasurable situations and stimulates feelings of enjoyment and reinforcement, motivating a person proactively to perform certain activities.<br />
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* '''Cognition and Attention''': Dopamine plays a role in cognitive functions such as attention, working memory, and executive function. It is involved in the regulation of mood and emotional responses.<br />
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* '''Prolactin Regulation''': Dopamine acts as a prolactin-inhibiting factor (PIF) in the [[pituitary gland]], where it inhibits the release of [[prolactin]], a hormone involved in lactation.<br />
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== Dopamine Pathways ==<br />
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There are several major dopamine pathways in the brain:<br />
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* '''Mesolimbic Pathway''': This pathway is involved in the reward system and is associated with feelings of pleasure and the reinforcement of rewarding behaviors.<br />
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* '''Mesocortical Pathway''': This pathway is involved in cognitive control, motivation, and emotional response.<br />
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* '''Nigrostriatal Pathway''': This pathway is involved in the coordination of movement. Degeneration of neurons in this pathway is associated with Parkinson's disease.<br />
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* '''Tuberoinfundibular Pathway''': This pathway regulates the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland, particularly prolactin.<br />
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== Clinical Significance ==<br />
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Dopamine dysregulation is implicated in several disorders:<br />
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* '''Parkinson's Disease''': Characterized by the death of dopamine-generating cells in the substantia nigra, leading to motor control issues.<br />
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* '''Schizophrenia''': Associated with dysregulation of dopamine pathways, particularly the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways.<br />
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* '''Addiction''': Many addictive drugs increase dopamine release or block its reuptake, leading to increased dopamine activity in the brain's reward pathways.<br />
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* '''Depression''': Some forms of depression are associated with reduced dopamine activity.<br />
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== Related Pages ==<br />
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* [[Neurotransmitter]]<br />
* [[Parkinson's disease]]<br />
* [[Schizophrenia]]<br />
* [[Addiction]]<br />
* [[Phenethylamine]]<br />
* [[Catecholamine]]<br />
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[[Category:Neurotransmitters]]<br />
[[Category:Catecholamines]]<br />
[[Category:Phenethylamines]]</div>Prab