Dopamine - what is it and how does it work?

What is dopamine?

Dopamine is an organic chemical compound that, along with norepinephrine and epinephrine, belongs to the group of catecholamines. It is formed by the conversion of L-phenylalanine to L-tyrosine and then to the dopamine precursor L-DOPA. Intermediate products of this reaction are readily available amino acids.

The concentration of dopamine in the body depends on its secretion by the adrenal medulla and the activity of adrenergic receptors. Although dopamine is also found in food, it does not cross the blood-brain barrier, which requires the action of precursors. Dopamine is further metabolized and involved in the production of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Dopamine as a neurotransmitter

In the nervous system, dopamine acts as a neurotransmitter, allowing it to transmit signals between neurons. Dopamine stimulates so-called dopamine receptors into action.

Due to their structure and properties, we can divide these receptors into two types: D1 and D2 receptors. The D1 subfamily includes receptors that stimulate the activity of dopaminergic neurons. The D2 subfamily, on the other hand, are receptors that inhibit their activity. Receptors are found in the heart, kidneys, central nervous system, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands.

What is the role of dopamine in the peripheral and central nervous system?

Dopamine is one of the main neurotransmitters that can influence a number of our behaviors. The specific function it performs depends on its location. Dopamine is produced by nerve cells in the brain and in the spinal cord.

Hypothalamus

Dopamine in the hypothalamus of the brain is responsible for controlling the work of the endocrine system. Regulates the work of the pituitary gland and the amount of prolactin produced (responsible for lactation and the growth of the mammary glands), gonadotropin (involved in procreation) and the secretion of growth hormone.

Limbic system

Dopamine in the limbic system, in turn, regulates states and emotional processes. It can affect our motivation, energy for action, willingness, well-being. It can also support memory, attention or problem solving.

Extrapyramidal nervous system

Dopamine, located in the extrapyramidal nervous system, in turn supports motor activities, including regulating muscle tension.

Dopamine levels and addictions

Dopamine is released when the brain expects a reward. If certain activities are associated with pleasure, the mere anticipation of them can increase dopamine levels. This connects directly to its role in the so-called reward system. When dopamine levels rise during a pleasurable activity, the likelihood of addiction also increases.

If the amount of the neurotransmitter is periodically higher, the sensitivity of dopamine receptors decreases at the same time, which means that the body more often demands stimulants, e.g. alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, etc. Even when their amount is finally reduced, the body is still prone to return to addiction.

Excess dopamine

In some situations, the level of dopamine in the body may increase. The most common symptoms of this condition are:

problems with concentration and attention,
problems with the correct assessment of reality,
Lack of rational thinking, such as a tendency to gamble,
delusions,
hallucinations,
intrusive thoughts.

Dopamine ejection, which manifests itself in temporary euphoria, can have its origins in the use of psychoactive drugs. When the body takes in a small amount of a drug, it quickly gets used to it and needs more and more of the psychoactive agent to achieve the same level of euphoria.

Dopamine and Huntington's chorea

Excess dopamine and excessive neuronal activity may be linked to Huntington's chorea - a genetic disease of the central nervous system that manifests as uncoordinated body movements, dementia, and a range of other mental disorders. Symptoms of the disease may include: decreased muscle tension and involuntary movements.

Dopamine deficiency

Some of the general symptoms associated with dopamine deficiency in the body include the following:

fatigue,
lack of motivation,
apathy,
feeling sad,
difficulty thinking,
brain fog,
mood swings,
sleep problems,
low libido,
cold hands and feet.

Other symptoms associated with low dopamine in the body depend largely on the specific cause of the deficiency.

Low dopamine concentration - causes

A low level of dopamine or its deficiency in many cases has its source in a specific disease. Taking therapy can therefore contribute to regulating the level of this neurotransmitter.

Parkinson's syndrome

Parkinson's disease is a nervous system disorder that can cause seizures, muscle stiffness, and problems with balance and coordination. The main cause of Parkinson's disease is loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. When the temporary concentration of dopamine drops significantly, the patient is unable to control his movements. Drugs that increase the amount of dopamine in the blood are increasingly used in the treatment of Parkinson's syndrome.

ADHD

Another disorder that contributes to reduced dopamine levels in the body is ADHD. The syndrome usually occurs in children, but can also accompany the patient into adulthood.

People with ADHD complain about problems with concentration, attention, and control of impulsive behavior. Studies indicate that patients probably have higher concentrations of dopamine transporters. When there are more of them, overall dopamine level drops.

Dopamina to neuroprzekaźnik, który wpływa na ogólną kondycję naszego mózgu - wspiera funkcje poznawcze i ma duże znaczenie jeżeli chodzi o nastrój człowieka.

Drug addiction

As the researchers point out, dopamine deficiency may be related to drug addiction. Regular intake of such agents can affect the activity of dopamine neurons. When taking psychoactive substances, we may notice a reduction in the number of D2 receptors.

Diet and obesity

Inadequate nutrition can also cause dopamine deficiency. \A diet low in protein does not provide the body with enough L-tyrosine, and its deficiency prevents dopamine synthesis. Consuming a lot of saturated fat can also cause changes in the dopaminergic system.

In turn, in people with obesity, dopamine deficiency is associated with the so-called gene associated with fat mass and obesity (FTO). People with certain variants of this gene are more likely to be obese. This is because FTO can affect dopamine levels and the functioning of the reward system.

What contributes to increased dopamine levels?

Too low dopamine levels contribute to lethargy, apathy or problems getting up in the morning. Fortunately, there are several ways we can stimulate dopamine production.

Healthy lifestyle

Regular physical activity can help increase dopamine in the body. Walking, swimming, yoga, cycling or exercise at the gym promote the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. As a result, we have a better mood and more energy.

Diet

The meals we eat can also support the effects of dopamine. Products with high amounts of saturated fats and sugars activate the dopaminergic system. However, they may contribute to inflammation, thereby interfering with dopamine transmission in the long term. However, unsaturated fats have a different effect.

A very important component is also products rich in dopamine precursors, among others - L-tyrosine. These include chicken, beef, eggs, bananas, almonds, watermelon, corn, sesame, tomatoes, citrus, among others.

Dietary supplements

In addition to a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, increasing dopamine concentrations is promoted by dietary supplements containing L-tyrosine. These include supplements with pure tyrosine as well as multi-ingredient formulations, such as a cognitive support supplement with L-tyrosine and L-theanine.

L-tyrosine is also a common ingredient in nutritional supplements for athletes. Among other things, we can find it in pre-workout supplements, in which its task is primarily to support recovery after exercise and increase motivation during training.

Medicines

Dopamine can also be taken in the form of a drug administered intravenously in the form of a drip after dilution in glucose or saline solution. The drug can be taken only under medical supervision, and the effect of treatment depends strictly on the dose used. Usually dopamine is used for myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, acute renal failure or low blood pressure.

Interestingly, dopamine administered intravenously does not have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, it does not affect emotions and does not stimulate. The effect on the emotional state is felt after taking a dopamine precursor.

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