3hydroxytyramine

3hydroxytyramine, also known as dopamine, is a naturally occurring monoamine catecholamine. It functions as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and as a hormone in the periphery. Dopamine plays a crucial role in a variety of physiological and psychological processes, including motor control, motivation, reward, pleasure, and mood.

In the brain, dopamine is synthesized in several areas, notably the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area. These dopaminergic neurons project to various brain regions, including the striatum, prefrontal cortex, and limbic system, where they modulate neuronal activity. Dysregulation of dopamine signaling is implicated in several neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and addiction.

Outside the central nervous system, dopamine acts as a local mediator in various organs. For instance, it can influence kidney function by regulating sodium excretion and blood flow. It also plays a role in the cardiovascular system, affecting heart rate and blood pressure.

The synthesis of dopamine begins with the amino acid tyrosine, which is converted to L-DOPA and then to dopamine. Dopamine can be further metabolized into other compounds, such as norepinephrine and epinephrine, through enzymatic pathways. Its actions are terminated by reuptake into neurons or by enzymatic degradation.