dopimine

Dopimine is not a standard chemical name in pharmacology. In most scientific contexts, the term is a misspelling or alternate spelling of dopamine, a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator with widespread roles in the brain and body.

Dopamine (3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine; formula C8H11NO2) is a catecholamine synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine. The biosynthesis proceeds via tyrosine → L-DOPA through tyrosine hydroxylase, then L-DOPA → dopamine via DOPA decarboxylase. It is stored in synaptic vesicles and released on neuronal firing.

Dopamine acts on five receptor subtypes (D1–D5), grouped into D1-like (D1, D5) and D2-like (D2, D3, D4) families. Receptors are distributed across brain circuits, including nigrostriatal, mesolimbic, and mesocortical pathways, which subserve movement, reward, motivation, and cognition.

Physiological roles include regulation of movement, reward processing, attention, and hormonal control via the tuberoinfundibular pathway that inhibits prolactin release.

Clinical relevance: Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra causes Parkinson's disease; treatment uses L-DOPA to restore dopamine synthesis. Dopamine dysfunction is implicated in several psychiatric conditions, and antipsychotic medications frequently antagonize D2 receptors. Dopaminergic signaling also influences mood and impulse control, and dysregulation within mesolimbic circuits is associated with addiction. Side effects of therapies can include dyskinesias, behavioral changes, and metabolic or autonomic effects, reflecting dopamine’s broad influence.

Dopimine as a distinct chemical name is not recognized in standard nomenclature; if encountered, it is typically a misspelling of dopamine rather than a separate substance.