Dopamine

Introduction[edit|edit source]

Dopamine is aneurotransmitter与运动有关,注意,学习,the brain’s pleasure and reward system^[1]. Dopamine is essential for many of our daily behaviours, playing a role in how we move, what we eat, learn, and even whether we become addicted to drugs.

Two main brain areas produce dopamine. The substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area. (see illustration), both located in themidbrain. The dopamineneuronsare small in number (~0.0006% of the neurons in the human brain), and they are observed in all mammals and even “simple” animals such as turtles.^[2]Dopamine produced relay signals travel throughout the brain.

• Dopamine from the substantia nigra helps us begin movements and speech.
• The dopamine from the ventral tegmental usually sends dopamine into the brain when we expect or receive a reward. This dopamine release tells the brain that whatever it just experienced is worth getting more of, helping to change their behaviours in ways that will help attain more of the rewarding item or experience.^[3][4]Seelimbic system

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Dopamine Deficiency[edit|edit source]

Having low levels of dopamine can make you less motivated and excited about things. It’s linked to some mental illnesses includingdepression,schizophreniaandpsychosis.^[3]

A deficiency of dopamine associated with cellular death in the substantia nigra results inParkinson's disease. Dopamine-receptor agonists, which bind to dopamine receptors on dopamine-producing neurons in the neurotransmitter’s absence, can increase dopaminergic activity in the brain, helping to lessen Parkinson's symptoms^[6].

Dopamine Excess[edit|edit source]

The dopamine system can be activated by a wide range of pleasant experiences, such as eating, having sex, getting revenge, winning video games, listening to music, earning money and reading funny cartoons. The dopamine system also responds robustly to addictive drugs, egopiates,alcoholandcocaine. These drugs can evoke stronger activation than natural rewards, and, unlike natural rewards, they do not cause satiety^[2]. Having too much dopamine is linked to being more competitive, aggressive, and poor impulse control. It can lead to conditions that includeADHD,binge eating, addiction and gambling^[3].

Substance Abuse Disorder[edit|edit source]

Drugs such as cocaine, nicotine and heroin cause huge boosts in dopamine. The “high” people feel when using drugs comes partly from that dopamine spike. And that prompts people to seek out those drugs repeatedly — even though they are harmful. Indeed, the brain “reward” associated with that high can lead to drug abuse and eventually toaddiction.^[4]

Dopamine Medication[edit|edit source]

Dopamine is a peripheral vasostimulant used to treatlow blood pressure,low heart rate, andcardiac arrest, especially in acuteneonatalcases via a continuous intravenous drip.

Theblood-brain barrier禁止穿越多巴胺进入CNS from the systemic circulation, so it is ineffective for central neurological deficits such as Parkinson's disease. However,levodopasuccessfully crosses the blood-brain barrier and can be administered systemically, including oral pills^[7].

Dopamine Boost[edit|edit source]

You can increase your dopamine levels naturally by eating a healthy diet, including foods rich in L-Tyrosine (the protein needed to make dopamine). e.g. almonds, avocados, bananas, beef, chicken and eggs. Turmeric, vitamin D, magnesium and omega-3 supplements are also claimed to increase dopamine levels.

Activities that make you feel good will also raise dopamine. egexercising,meditating, having amassageand getting enoughsleep.

If low dopamine is causing depression or schizophrenia, medicines such as antidepressants or mood stabilisers may help

People with Parkinson’s disease are usually given medicines to boost their dopamine levels.^[3]

References[edit|edit source]