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dopamine
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter found in the nervous system.
It plays an important role in the functions of the brain.
Changes in its central neurotransmission are implicated in processes as diverse as muscle rigidity, hormonal regulation, thought disorder and cocaine addiction. Peripheral dopamine receptors mediate changes in blood flow, glomerular filtration rate and sodium excretion. Increased knowledge of the roles of dopamine receptor subtypes raises hopes that more selective drugs, associated with fewer adverse effects, will be developed.
effects of ecstassy on brain
Many drugs affect dopamine transmission directly by either blocking or stimulating its receptors. For instance, antipsychotic drugs are dopamine antagonists, whereas bromocriptine, used to treat Parkinson’s disease, is a dopamine agonist.
Other drugs increase its synaptic concentration, by blocking its uptake or metabolism. For example, cocaine is a potent inhibitor of the dopamine re-uptake transporter and this may be the basis of its addictive properties.
