Dopamine functions both as a
hormone and a neurotransmitter, and plays several important roles in the
brain and body. It is an organic chemical of the catecholamine and phenethylamine families.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, one of those chemicals that is responsible for transmitting signals between the nerve
cells (neurons) of the brain. ... Some, in a part of the
brain called the substantia nigra, are the
cells that die during Parkinson's disease.
Dopamine is one of the “feel good” chemicals in our brain. Interacting with the pleasure and reward center of our brain,
dopamine — along with other chemicals like serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins — plays a vital role in how happy we feel. In addition to our mood,
dopamine also affects movement, memory, and focus. A
dopamine deficiency may be related to certain medical conditions, including
depression and Parkinson's disease. A
dopamine deficiency can be due to a drop in the amount of
dopamine made by the body or a problem with the receptors in the brain.
Relevant Topics in General Science
