What are the dopamine paths?

dopamine pathways are connected by systems of neurons that broadcast dopamine, one of the most influential neurotransmitters, into different parts of the brain. There are four main dopamine pathways that are responsible for creating different brain reactions. Mesolimbic and mesocortical paths are involved in motivation and emotions and were associated with addictive behavior and schizophrenia. The nigrostriatal road controls the body movements and is assumed that damage to this journey contributes to the development of Parkinson's disease. Finally, it is assumed that tuberoinfundibular path plays a role in mothers' behavior and educating and regulating hormones.

mesocortical and mesolimbic dopamine pathways come from the middle brain. Dopamine is transmitted to the front cortex of the mesocortical path and transmits it to the limbic system. These paths are closely linked and believe that they are primarily involved in the regulation of motivation and emotions. It is assumed that the irregular functioning of these areas of the brain creates hallucinations and may be the cause of schizophrenie.

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mesolimbic path is also sometimes called a rewarding path for the role it plays depending on. It is believed that alcohol and medicines such as methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and nicotine cause dopamine to increase dopamine, causing euphoric effect. As drug use persists, the brain compensates for this increase in dopamine by reducing the number of available dopamine receptors, causing addicts to need more and more drugs to create the same feeling. This effect is known as tolerance, which is the main cause of overdose with a drug.

Two other dopamine pathways may also be affected by the use of the drug, but it is also assumed that they are involved in the control of other reactions of the brain. Nigrostriatal dopamine pathway is placed in the center of the brain and is primarily responsible for the rough engine control or large body movements. It is assumed that the development of Parkinson's disease is partly damagedneurons in this area of ​​the brain.

The final type of dopamine pathway, tuberoinfundibular pathway, transmits dopamine from the hypothalamus to the pituitary. The most famous function of this path is to regulate hormones. It regulates the release of the hormone from the pituitary called prolactin and is related to the reactions of mothers and hormonal changes during pregnancy.