Recording-2025-03-04T20:29:56.301Z

Biological Families of Neurotransmitters

• Neurotransmitters originate from the same starting material, creating a familial relationship among them.

• Example: All members of the catecholamines family stem from the amino acid tyrosine.

Metabolic Pathway of Catecholamines

• Tyrosine: Starting amino acid.

• Dopamine: Converted from tyrosine.

• Norepinephrine: Made from dopamine.

• Epinephrine: Formed from norepinephrine.

Implications of Drug Administration

• Increasing dopamine will inherently increase norepinephrine and epinephrine due to their metabolic pathway.

• Stimulants commonly affect these neurotransmitters.

• Understanding this relationship is crucial for predicting effects of drugs on neurotransmitter levels.

Functions of Dopamine

• Plays multiple roles in brain function, particularly in movement, thoughts, and higher cognitive processes.

Dopamine Circuitry in the Brain

• Example: Rat brain circuit illustrating motor pathways (e.g., basal ganglia).

Effects of Cocaine on Dopamine

• Movement:

  • Short-term: Speeds up reaction times.

  • Long-term: Causes tremors and slows movement.

• Addictiveness:

  • Cocaine is highly addictive.

• Cognitive Effects:

  • Can lead to paranoia and psychosis resembling schizophrenia.

Summary of Dopamine's Role in Drug Effects

• Any drug that alters dopamine levels can also impact movement, cognitive functions, and emotional states.

• Understanding these effects is critical when studying neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine.