Roles of Dopamine in the Brain by Tosin

Roles of Dopamine in the Brain by Tosin

1. Neuroendocrine

   • Controlling Prolactin Secretion
     • See Tuberoinfundibular Pathway in Dopamine Pathway Mind Map

2. Schizophrenia

   • Dopamine Hypothesis of Schizophrenia
     • Hyperactivity of Dopamine = Positive and Negative Symptoms as well as Cognitive Deficits
       • Cognitive Deficits = Mesocortical  Include =  working memory, visual/verbal learning
       • Others included cont. = speed of processing information, attention and Reasoning plus problem solving

3. Basal Ganglia (BG)

   • Overactivity = BG disturbances = unpurposeful movement (tremor) - Hyperkinetic
     • Tardive Dyskinesia = cause
   • Underactivity = Movement disorder - hypokinetic

4. Vomiting

   • Area Postrema (Emesis Centre in Medulla Oblongata)
     • Chemoreceptor trigger zone = senses blood toxicity
       • Drugs altering Dopamine levels = Area Postrema = highly sensitive
     • High density of Dopamine Receptors
       • High Dopamine = Vomit but Dopamine Block = Anti-emesis