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Dopamine: Difference between revisions
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== Drug Abuse == | == Drug Abuse == | ||
Dopamine connects to receptors quickly and then is rapidly removed if dopamine levels are adequately high. Drugs can affect these levels. Some drugs increase dopamine by preventing dopamine reuptake, leaving dopamine in the synapse. Cocaine and methylphenidate, a therapeutic drug used to treat childhood hyperkinesis and schizophrenia, affect dopamine levels in such a manner. Amphetamine and cocaine also affect behavior and heart function by increasing the amount of dopamine left in the synapse.<ref name=Utex> | Dopamine connects to receptors quickly and then is rapidly removed if dopamine levels are adequately high. Drugs can affect these levels. Some drugs increase dopamine by preventing dopamine reuptake, leaving dopamine in the synapse. Cocaine and methylphenidate, a therapeutic drug used to treat childhood hyperkinesis and schizophrenia, affect dopamine levels in such a manner. Amphetamine and cocaine also affect behavior and heart function by increasing the amount of dopamine left in the synapse.</ref name=Utex> | ||
== Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) == | == Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) == | ||
Dopamine, once returned to the sending neuron by the reuptake system of the brain, it may be affected by an enzyme called monoamine oxidase (MAO). MAO usually takes on the job of breaking down dopamine. Without the workings of other factors, dopamine levels would be kept considerably low due to MAO. However, dopamine can be stored in a vesicle for storage when it is taken back into the nerve ending. The vesical will protect dopamine from MAO. | Dopamine, once returned to the sending neuron by the reuptake system of the brain, it may be affected by an enzyme called monoamine oxidase (MAO). MAO usually takes on the job of breaking down dopamine. Without the workings of other factors, dopamine levels would be kept considerably low due to MAO. However, dopamine can be stored in a vesicle for storage when it is taken back into the nerve ending. The vesical will protect dopamine from MAO. | ||
Reserpine, a drug, interrupts the reuptake of dopamine and other neurotransmitters. Taking reserpine causes dopamine to be exposed and broken down by MAO. Another drug, deprenyl blocks MAO. This increases storage of dopamine and slows Parkinson’s disease. In higher doses it may affect behavior. | Reserpine, a drug, interrupts the reuptake of dopamine and other neurotransmitters. Taking reserpine causes dopamine to be exposed and broken down by MAO. Another drug, deprenyl blocks MAO. This increases storage of dopamine and slows Parkinson’s disease. In higher doses it may affect behavior. | ||
However, one form of MAO protects dopamine. This form of MAO is found in dopamine neurons and reacts with substances other than dopamine. This MAO keeps the neurotransmission cleaner and more efficient by moving away other substances. Inhibiting MAO can increase levels of serotonin which appears to improve depression symptoms. | However, one form of MAO protects dopamine. This form of MAO is found in dopamine neurons and reacts with substances other than dopamine. This MAO keeps the neurotransmission cleaner and more efficient by moving away other substances. Inhibiting MAO can increase levels of serotonin which appears to improve depression symptoms.</ref name=Utex> | ||
== References== | == References== | ||
