2023-08-17 14:29:21
Definition: what is dopamine?
The dopamine is a biochemical molecule which belongs to the group of catecholamines. It is derived from two amino acids: tyrosine and the phenylalanine. It is produced in the brain (and more specifically in the substantia nigra and in the ventral tegmental area, located in the midbrain (upper part of the brainstem)). Dopamine plays a modulating role essential of motor functions et psychic.
Role: what is dopamine used for?
Dopamine is a neurotransmitteri.e. a chemical messenger which ensures the transmission of information from a nerve cell (neurone) to another, crossing the space between these cells, the synapse.
Dopamine is involved in the modulation of circuits with very varied functions: motor, psychic or even behavioral.
Dopamine, a pleasure hormone
Dopamine would be at the origin of the feeling of pleasure when performing certain activities, including behaviors essential to survival. It can be regarding feeding, hydrating, reproducing or taking care of your child… The release of dopamine would allow instant happiness (we are talking regarding “reward circuit“) encouraging the individual to renew these practices.
Dopamine: hormone or neurotransmitter?
We often talk regarding dopamine as neurotransmitterbut it is true that she is also a hormone produced by the hypothalamus (neurohormone).
The main hormonal function is to limit the release of prolactin by the anterior lobe of the pituitary. The main physiological action of prolactin is exerted in women: the gradual rise of prolactin in the blood during pregnancy sets up the conditions for postpartum lactation. We therefore understand why certain drugs such as neuroleptics (or antipsychotics) that limit the release of dopamine (anti-dopaminergic drugs) may be responsible for a hyperprolactinémie (which results in certain symptoms such as a flow of milk in women or erectile dysfunction in men).
Dopamine and serotonin: what’s the difference?
Dopamine is theimmediate pleasure hormone. For its part, serotonin is rather known as being a “happiness hormone“, mood stabilizer over time. Serotonin is also widely used in the treatment of depression, via serotonergic antidepressants.
What are the signs of a lack of dopamine?
A lack of dopamine in certain brain regions can explain the development of certain diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or attention deficit disorder (ADHD).
Dopamine and Parkinson’s disease
The degeneration of dopamine neurons leads to the appearance of motor disorders associated with theParkinson disease. This chronic disease is of slow and progressive evolution. The preclinical phase of the disease, before the appearance of the first symptoms, probably lasts several years. During this period, the brain compensates for the drop in dopamine through plasticity processes, allowing normal brain function. Patients remain asymptomatic until more than half of the dopamine neurons are destroyed and the brain is no longer able to compensate.
Dopamine and ADHD
A lack of dopamine would explain attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD). Such a hypothesis was born from the observation that the methylphenidate (Ritalin®), the main drug treatment for ADHD, increased dopaminergic transmission in the brain. In reality, the mechanism of action of Ritalin® is not limited only to the increase of dopamine between neurons. This drug also allows a better affinity of dopamine with the synapse (between two neurons). Thus, the signal transmission is improved.
Schizophrenia: what are the effects of excess dopamine?
Conversely, a excess dopamine release would be the cause of psychiatric symptoms and in particular so-called “positive” manifestations of schizophrenia. These are the most impressive behaviors observed in this disease such as delusions, aggression and hallucinations.
What stimulates dopamine?
It is possible to stimulate your production of dopamine by practicing certain simple activities that provide it such as eating, hydrating, indulging in sexual pleasure, having a rich social life, maintaining regular physical and intellectual activity…
In order to increase the release of dopamine, it can also be recommended to:
- pet an animal. It is a real way to fight once morest stress and depression (source 1). A cuddly moment with a furry companion would significantly increase the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain.
- take a cold shower. This can dramatically increase our dopamine levels, according to some work.
- exposure to natural light. This amplifies the production of dopamine by the retina.
- listen to music : when we listen to a melody that we like, the neural circuits that come into play are those involved in the mechanisms of motivation and reward. The release of dopamine can then have the effect of a real “shoot” leading toeuphoria.
Dopamine: beware of addictions!
Unfortunately, certain behaviors that cause an increased release of dopamine can lead to a state of dependency. This is the case with tobacco, alcohol, drugs, intensive sport, gambling and gambling, eating disorders, etc.
Initially, these products and practices do provide satisfaction. They reduce stress, boost morale and self-confidence. Unfortunately, if they lead to ecstasy, they also alter other brain systems, in particular those involved in regulating our well-being. Thus, these addictive practices end up no longer being carried out “for pleasure”, but only to get out of a negative emotional state.
Which drugs to regulate dopamine?
Some drugs have an action on the regulation of dopamine:
- THE neuroleptics are prescribed in order to limit the action of dopamine and to avoid positive symptoms of schizophrenia such as hallucinations.
- In Parkinson’s disease, in order to compensate for the dopamine deficit, patients are prescribed L-dopa (levodopa)a direct precursor of dopamine, but also inhibitors of enzymes that degrade dopamine (monoamine oxidase type B inhibitorsiCO-methyltransferase inhibitors).
- The methylphenidate (Ritalin®), the main drug treatment for ADHD, increases the transmission of dopamine between neurons and improves the affinity of this neurotransmitter with the synapse.
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