Dopamine Functions in the Brain, Body, Heart & More

Dopamine functions in the brain are linked to mood regulation, executive function and attention span, mental drive, the reward cycle, hunger cravings, addiction and facilitating muscular contractions.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is synthesized in certain areas of the brain from L-Dopa. We produce this chemical messenger from the amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine, which are found in common foods.

If an individual’s dopamine levels become too high or too low, then symptoms of deficiency or other conditions can occur. For instance, low dopamine levels are associated with Parkinson’s disease while high dopamine levels are associated with cocaine addiction and schizophrenia.

Many people call dopamine the “feel-good” neurotransmitter as it is largely known for its modulation of pleasure and reward responses. What are some of the roles that dopamine plays in the body and how does it affect your mental state?

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Dopamine Functions in the Brain

Dopamine is synthesized by dopaminergic neurons inside the brain from L-DOPA. It is synthesized from L-DOPA by the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase with cofactor pyridoxal phosphate.

Dopamine is produced in the midbrain’s VTA (ventral tegmental area), the pars compacta of the substantia nigra (also in the midbrain), and the arcuate nucleus, located in the hypothalamus.

Dopamine is unable to cross the BBB (blood-brain barrier). This means that dopamine functions and production in the brain are largely independent of its functions and production in peripheral areas.

Dopamine’s Effects on Pleasure and Reward:

Dopamine functions to modulate the perception of pleasure inside the brain. It is secreted during pleasurable instances and encourages the individual to seek out sources for sustaining the pleasure.

Sex, drugs and food are all known to stimulate dopamine release. The occurs largely in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens.

Dopamine and Attention:

Dopamine functions include facilitating attention and mental focus. Dopamine release can be stimulated visually.

It may function to determine what remains in the short-term memory. ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is associated with low dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex.

Using supplements or foods to naturally raise dopamine levels has been associated with improved Executive Function. This refers to the mental capacity for focus, goal-oriented behavior, as well as working memory.

This neurotransmitter is also being researched for its function in memory storage. Dopamine functions nf the brain’s frontal lobes to control the influx of information arriving from other brain areas.

Certain neurocognitive markers are known to decline with dopamine disorders; particularly problem solving capacities, attention span and memory.

Dopamine and Addiction:

Dopamine has also been found to play a role in addiction pathways. Amphetamines inhibit reuptake of dopamine. They act to block the transport of dopamine and thereby increase its presence.

Amphetamines are structurally similar to dopamine, and they able to use dopamine transporters to enter into presynaptic gaps between dopaminergic neurons.

When amphetamines come in contact with dopamine receptors, they stimulate the release of this neurotransmitter. When dopamine is released, feelings of pleasure are perceived.

In this manner, people become addicted to amphetamines and other substances which similarly increase dopamine activity in the brain.

Dopamine and Pain:

Dopamine functions in multiple levels of the CNS (central nervous system) to assist with pain processing.

It serves roles in the PAG (periaqueductal gray), basal ganglia, spinal cord, cingulate cortex, insular cortex and thalamus. Low dopamine levels are associated with pain symptoms common in Parkinson’s patients.

Abnormal dopamine processing in the brain may also be linked to fibromyalgia, restless legs syndrome and burning mouth syndrome.

Dopaminergic Neurons and Movement:

Research also shows that dopamine plays a critical role in modulating brain signals that control movement of muscles as well as behavioral cues for movement.

Body movement (motor control) is controlled by the brain’s basal ganglia. Within the basal ganglia are D1 dopamine receptors.

Low dopamine levels in the basal ganglia can cause lacking coordination and/or delayed movements. A surplus of dopamine in this area can cause involuntary tics and spasms.

Much of the research into the effects of dopamine on motor control comes from examining the effects of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is diagnosed when a high percentage of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra die off, causing low levels of dopamine synthesis.

This condition is marked by involuntary muscle movements, poor motor control and can eventually lead to death.

L-DOPA medications are administered to treat this disease, but they cannot cure it or restore normal levels of dopamine in the brain. Long-term use of L-DOPA drugs is also linked to serious side effects and Parkinson’s disease is eventually fatal.

Dopamine’s Role in Lactation:

Dopamine functions as a neuroendocrine inhibitor of prolactin; the hormone released from the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates lactation in new mothers.

Dopamine is produced inside the hypothalamus in an area called the arcuate nucleus. It then travels the hypothalamo-hypophysial blood vessels of the median eminence which feed the pituitary.

Dopamine is sometimes called PIF (prolactin inhibiting factor) or PIH (prolactin inhibiting hormone).

Dopamine and Psychosis:

Levels of dopamine are directly linked to mood control, depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Mood disruptions may be caused by deficient or by excess levels of this neurotransmitter.

Schizophrenia and psychosis are associated with excessively high levels of dopaminergic transmission. Most antipsychotic medications work primarily by inhibiting dopamine receptor activities.

Dopamine and Socialization:

Low binding of D2 dopamine receptors is common in people with social phobias and social anxiety. Low dopaminergic transmission is associated with negative schizophrenia.

Symptoms of negative schizophrenia include withdrawal from social engagement, anhedonia (cannot sense pleasure) and generalized apathy.

Conversely, increased dopamine in those with bipolar disorder is often associated with mania, hyperscialitiy and/or hypersexuality. By blocking dopamine reception with certain antipsychotics, mania can be more effectively controlled.

Dopamine Function in the Heart

Dopamine also plays important roles outside of the brain. This hormone affects cardiac functioning and helps to naturally modulate blood pressure.

It is also helpful at clearing fluid accumulations that result from heart weakness and dysfunction. Dopamine makes the heart beat more strongly, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery.

Dopamine is sometimes given intravenously to treat heart attack victims. It is especially useful for treating infants and premature babies with heart disorders. It helps to boost their blood pressure, induce vasodilation and make their hearts beat with more force.

Dopamine in the Blood

Dopamine is present in the blood. Dopamine functions in the bloodstream are not well understood currently.

Nearly all plasma dopamine is present as dopamine sulfate. This substance is a derivative of free dopamine, created via the actions of the enzyme sulfotransferase 1A3/1A4.

Dopamine sulfate is believed to be used for detoxification purposes. It may help to clear dopamine which is ingested via the diet.

Dopamine levels can rise as much as 5000% after meals. Other than this, dopamine sulfate has no known biologic functions. Excess dopamine sulfate is excreted via the urinary tract.

Dopamine Side Effects

Those who use drugs that increase dopamine levels may experience adverse effects including headache, rapid heartbeat, hypotension (low blood pressure), diarrhea, blurred vision, nausea and/or vomiting.

Certain drug and disease interactions are also possible. Seek medical advice if you believe your dopamine levels are imbalanced.

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