THE dopamine it is a neurotransmitter who works in central nervous system (SNC) modulating neurotransmission functions related to attention, learning, emotions, among others. THE dopamine, as norepinephrine,epinephrine (adrenaline)and serotonin, is a neurotransmitterfrom the family of catecholamines or biogenic amines.
→ function and action
THE dopamine, as stated earlier, is a neurotransmitter.Neurotransmitters are substances, present in presynaptic vesicles who work in inhibitory response or excitatory between theneurons after synapse.
Neurotransmitters work by transforming nerve impulses into chemical signs so they can be forwarded to the next neuron, to which they connect through receivers. This transmission takes place in places called synapses.
In relation to dopamine, after its streaming, it can be taken up by the postsynaptic membrane, it can still suffer recapture by the neuron of origin, in which it can be degraded for some enzymes. The inhibitory or excitatory effect occurs after activation of postsynaptic receptors.
Among the various areas of action of dopamine, such as its influence on emotions, learning and also the motor system, we can highlight the reward system.
O reward system is related to learning, motivation and positive reinforcement to carry out activities that ensure the maintenance of life and of the species (reproduction).
When we perform vital activities, such as drinking when you're thirsty and eating when you're hungry, ventral tegmental area of the brain receive the stimuli and occurs to dopamine release in certain regions of the brain, giving the sensation of pleasure.
Some medications and drugs can cause changes in the reward system, as we will see later in this text.
Read too: nerve tissue
Neurotransmitters transform the impulses into chemical signals, to be forwarded to the next neuron, in places called synapses.
→ Other neurotransmitters
in the family of catecholamines, to which dopamine belongs, are also adrenaline (or epinephrine) and the serotonin.
Adrenaline: it is a hormone produced by glands adrenals and also a neurotransmitter. Its action as a neurotransmitter occurs in mediating the responses of "fight or flight", facing a situation of stress of short duration.
Serotonin: acts in dopamine-like functions, as in motor activities and in the apprenticeship, in addition to, with other neurotransmitters, acting on the reward system. It has an important role in regulation of sleep and in the appetite.
→ Relationship between dopamine and drug use
The use of some medications and drugs affects the central nervous system. Among the effects caused, we can highlight its relationship with dopamine, in which some drugs act increasing your timeof action and preventing yours recapture after release, increasing, like, the feeling of pleasure. There are also drugs that work by binding to dopamine receptors, producing a hallucinogenic effect.
It is important to highlight that drug use can cause chemical dependency, that arises from the adaptation of the nervous system to a certain amount of drugs. Therefore, to obtain the same effect as when consuming the drug initially, the individual must increase the dose consumed.
The intensity of this effect produces a receptor reaction in the nervous system, even if the individual decides to reduce or no longer consume the drug. The general effect triggered by these reactions, when not supplied, is called abstinence crisis.
It is important to highlight that the effects of drug use affect not only the individual. chemical dependency affects the whole environment in which the dependent lives, being able to influence so much their family relationships how much professionals. It is important that the dependent seek help and receive the necessary support to be able to carry out the proper treatment.
Drugs affect the action of dopamine, either by increasing its time of action or binding to its receptors and producing hallucinogenic effects.
→ dopamine deficiency
Many neurological diseases are associated with changes that occur in the neurotransmitter synthesis. Dopamine deficiency, for example, is related to some of these diseases, such as disease of Parkinson's.
Parkinson's disease is a motor disorder, may also have cognitive effects, which involves the degeneration occurred in neurons dopaminergics. Among its forms of treatment is the dopamine administration. Parkinson's disease is treatable but not curable.
