Dopamine Uses in the Brain and as a Medication

In the brain, dopamine plays an important role as a chemical messenger involved in mood and executive function. Dopamine is used for regulating pleasure responses, controlling attention and volition, and facilitating coordinated movement.

Dopamine is a catecholamine neurotransmitter, used in both the CNS (central nervous system) and PNS (peripheral nervous system). It is involved in many of our behaviors, including emotions, sleep, libido, addiction, love and motivation.

Dopamine supplements are used to boost levels of this brain chemical for improved mood and cognitive performance. Higher levels of dopamine have also been linked to increased energy and weight loss.

Intravenous dopamine hydrochloride is also used as a medication for shock and low blood pressure. It is sometimes administered to patients suffering from a heart attack, trauma, infection or to improve heart function after surgery.

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Dopamine Uses in the Brain

Some health professionals estimate that more than 70% of people in advanced societies are dopamine deficient.

Those that develop dopamine deficiencies are prone to experiencing depression, anger, irritability, brain fog, lacking motivation, uncoordinated movement, poor outlook, despair and hopelessness.

In the human brain, dopamine is produced inside two separate areas: the VTA (ventral tegmental area) and the substantia nigra.

The VTA is a group of neurons near the center of the mesencephalon (midbrain). Natural dopamine can travel from the VTA to the limbic system along the mesolimbic pathway.

Dopamine in the limbic system facilitates the experience of reward and pleasure. Researchers are exploring how dopamine availability in the limbic system affects addiction and certain forms of psychosis.

Alternately, dopamine synthesized in the VTA may be directed along the mesocortical pathway.

This leads to the dorsolateral frontal cortex which modulates our ability to remain focused on given tasks. In this part of the brain, dopamine is involved in planning behaviours and motivation to carry our plans efficiently.

Dopamine is also used in the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. These structures are connected by the tuberoinfundibular pathway.

The primary purpose of this pathway is to stimulate lactation. When dopamine receptors are blocked here, prolactin synthesis in upregulated. Prolactin is released by the anterior pituitary to stimulate milk production.

Dopamine’s Role in Parkinson’s Disease

Dopaminergic neurons in other parts of the brain have been implicated in the development of Parkinson’s disease. When high numbers of these neurons die off, Parkinson’s symptoms can occur.

The substantia nigra is a dark pigmented area of the mesencephalon. This pigmentation results from high concentrations of melanin. The substantia nigra consists of the pars compacta and the pars reticulata.

Dopamine produced in the substantia nigra travels the nigrostriatal pathway to a set of structures called the basal ganglia.

The basal ganglia spans the mesencephalon, telencephalon (anterior forebrain) and the diencephalon (posterior forebrain).

The basal ganglia contain the putamen and the caudate nucleus. Dopamine in these structures mediates motor movement and coordination.

Dopamine deficiency in the basal ganglia may result in slow movement and/or poor balance. Excessive dopamine here may cause involuntary, quick movements.

Parkinson’s disease onsets when too many neurons die off inside the basal ganglia. Parkinson’s patients experience muscular pain and stiffness, lacking control of their movement and poor balance.

Without adequate dopamine to fuel functioning inside the basal ganglia, intentional movement may become delayed or impossible.

L-DOPA, the precursor to dopamine, is often used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Dopamine Uses in the ICU

In addition to its role as a neurotransmitter in the brain, dopamine also acts on other parts of the body, including the heart. It is an inotropic vasopressor, used in medical emergencies to improve heart function.

Dopamine HCL (3,4 dihydroxyphenethylamine hydrochloride) is a synthetic version of this neurotransmitter, available as a prescription medication.

Dopamine HCL is used in ICU patients to maintain proper urine flow, heart function, blood supply to vital organs and blood pressure.

Dopamine hydrochloride is used intravenously to increase heart rate and contractions of the heart muscle.

This form of dopamine is prescribed for treating shock symptoms associated with myocardial infarction, open-heart surgery, congestive heart failure and trauma.

It is also used for low blood pressure (hypotension), kidney failure and blood toxicity (septicaemia).

How to Get More Dopamine

Naturally increasing dopamine levels can have benefits for individuals with poor focus and low mood. Dopamine levels can drop with age or following exposure to stress.

Dopamine can be increased with proper foods and dietary supplements. Dopamine is a natural chemical that is produced from certain amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals.

Foods that contain high amounts of the amino acid tyrosine are some of the best ways to increase the synthesis of this neurotransmitter. Tyrosine is an important building block of dopamine, and is often used to combat anxiety and depression

Other cofactors of dopamine synthesis include copper, iron, oxygen and vitamin B6.

To increase dopamine with dietary modifications, consider eating more lean cuts of red meat, turkey, nuts, sprouts, seeds, beans, green leafy vegetables and bananas. In general, you want to consider high-protein foods to encourage dopamine synthesis.

Clinical research shows that regular exercise helps to elevate levels as well. Being physically active also helps to increase the number of dopamine receptors throughout the brain and body.

Chronic stress can deplete dopamine concentrations and hinder its synthesis. It is important for health on many levels to manage stress effectively.

Many people use an herbal supplement called Mucuna Pruriens to increase dopamine levels as well. This plant contains about 5% L-DOPA in its seeds and has been shown to quickly boost dopamine availability.

Mucuna extract is often used by bodybuilders for weight loss and as a sexual performance enhancer. Research has shown that it can boost testosterone levels in men.

If you are considering using a natural dopamine supplement, then it is best to seek advice from a doctor. Talk about your health history and any medications or herbal supplements you are also taking that could cause interactions.

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