Dopamine – functions, research. Dopamine Excess and Deficiency [EXPLAINED]

Proven content

Dopamine is one of the most important neurotransmitters in our body. It is sometimes colloquially referred to as the “stress hormone”, although it is not actually a hormone at all. Dopamine plays a number of important roles in the body, depending on the location in which it is active. How does dopamine deficiency or excess affect the body? When is a dopamine test ordered and how is it done?

In the nervous system, dopamine – like serotonin, adrenaline, acetylcholine and noradrenaline – plays the role of an important neurotransmitter, through dopamine D1 and D2 receptors, which conditions the proper functioning of both the peripheral and central nervous systems. It is synthesized primarily in the bodies of nerve cells (neurons) that form groups in various areas of the brain (the substantia nigra and mesocorticolimbic system). Dopamine is also produced in the adrenal medulla.

Dopamine is considered to be the main neurotransmitter in areas of the nervous system such as:

1. extrapyramidal nervous system – supports the body’s motor activities by regulating muscle tension, muscle coordination and triggering free movements;
2. limbic (limbic) system – regulates emotional processes, affects our motivation to act and well-being, and controls higher mental functions (cognitive processes, such as memory, attention, thinking, problem solving);
3. the hypothalamus – controls the functioning of the endocrine system, especially the production of hormones such as prolactin, gonadotropins and growth hormone.

However, dopamine is also produced in the digestive system, where it acts as a neuromodulator. It controls there, among others:

1. gastrointestinal motility;
2. transport penalty;
3. blood flow through the gastrointestinal mucosa;
4. stimulation of carbohydrate production.

Other important tasks of dopamine in our body include:

1. blood pressure regulation;
2. control of the work of the endocrine glands;
3. urinary excretion of sodium and stimulation of glomerular filtration in the kidney.

Also check: Dopamine affects your willingness to work

Dopamine testing – when should it be performed?

Dopamine (and other catecholamines) tests are performed in the case of suspicion of diseases associated with its increased or decreased concentration in the blood, such as:

1. neoplastic diseases leading to the excessive production of dopamine, incl. phaeochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, ganglion (ganglioneuroma);
2. nervous system diseases, incl. Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s chorea, ADHD and other neurological disorders;
3. some genetic diseases.

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Due to the fact that under the influence of stress, exercise or emotions, the momentary concentration of dopamine in the blood may be higher, in some cases doctors also recommend dopamine test in a XNUMX-hour urine collection. In this way, it is possible to avoid error and ambiguity in the result.

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Dopamine deficiency

Dopamine deficiency in the body can cause a number of disturbing symptoms, such as:

1. bow;
2. internal tension;
3. decrease in motivation;
4. loss of energy for life;
5. tendency to fall into depressive states;
6. constant fatigue;
7. passivity and apathy;
8. symptoms similar to drug craving.

It is also believed that a lack of dopamine in the body can have a significant impact on the increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. At the root of this disease are degenerative changes in the substantia nigra cells of the midbrain, which – as we already know – are responsible for the production of dopamine. Disorders occur when half of the neurons of the substantia nigra are damaged.

As a consequence, a specific set of symptoms is observed, which include:

1. muscle stiffness;
2. impairment of movement and motor coordination;
3. slurred speech;
4. resting tremor;
5. micrograph – decrease of letters in the patient’s handwriting.

The specific cause of the destruction of neurons is still unknown. However, the influence of neurotoxins and pesticides is suspected as they destroy some essential enzymes. It is also possible that Parkinson’s disease is genetic. The first symptoms of Parkinson’s syndrome are usually seen around age 60, although it is also possible in younger people.

In recent years, quite good results in the treatment of patients with Parkinson’s syndrome have produced drugs that increase the level of dopamine in the blood (containing dopamine receptors), as well as specific drugs that inhibit its breakdown.

Find out more: Parkinson’s diagnosis based on handwriting evaluation

Excess dopamine

In some situations, an excess of dopamine can also occur. This condition causes the following to appear:

1. perceptual problems with the correct assessment of reality;
2. concentration disorders;
3. hallucinations and delusions, characteristic of schizophrenia;
4. tendency to gamble (lack of rational thinking);
5. racing thoughts.

According to specialists, excess dopamine may also be associated with the development of a specific disease of the central nervous system – Huntington’s chorea. People with Huntington’s chorea develop decreased skeletal muscle tone, tremors in the extremities, and frequent involuntary movements similar to dancing movements. Drugs that block dopamine receptors in the central nervous system are therefore used in the treatment of chorea.

Also read: Dopamine responsible for male alcoholism

It is also worth reaching for plums, blueberries, red beans, strawberries, almonds and sunflower seeds. It is also recommended to give up heavy and fatty foods. Saturated fat causes the level of dopamine to drop significantly. The consumption of sweets and other products containing high sugar levels has a negative impact on the production of dopamine in the blood.

Dopamine levels are temporarily increased by coffee and alcohol. In the long term, however, they negatively affect the production of dopamine – they only increase it for a short time, and have a debilitating effect on the general condition of the body. Therefore, specialists recommend avoiding them.

Some dietary supplements rich in amino acids available in pharmacies also have a beneficial effect on increasing the amount of dopamine in the body. However, remember to use them after consulting your doctor – otherwise they may not bring the desired effect. Choose supplements that contain a large amount of amino acids.

At Medonet Market you can order supplements such as amino acids and green tea BCAA + Green Tea Shock Shot.

It is also worth enjoying regular physical activity in the fresh air. A large dose of light, fresh air and sun increases the secretion of neurotransmitters, improves our mood and we have more motivation to act.