What are the dopaminergic pathways?
neurons, cells in the brain, communicate by sending chemicals called neurotransmitters to other cells. Dopaminergic pathways are neural nets in the brain that transmit dopamine, the type of neurotransmitter. There are four main dopaminergic pathways in the brain: nigrostriatal path, mesolimbic tract, mesocortical tract and tuberoinfundibular path.
neurons in the brain are built as trees, with branches coming from the cellular body on all sides and a long trunk protruding from the body. Neuron sends electrical signals down to the trunk of a tree called Axon. On the basis of Axon Neuron releases neurotransmitters that travel around the gap called synapse to interact with another neuron. Neurons in dopaminergic pathways have long axons that take place along the entire length of the road.
neurotransmitter dopamine may have a large amount of effects on the brain depending on location and concentration. It fulfills a role in cognitive functions such as learning, and also regulates certain remuneration and criminal activities. In MidBrain, especially in the nigra substantia, is involved in the regulation of movement.
nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway arises in nigra nouns. This path is important in the regulation of movement. There is less dopamine in Parkinson's disease, leading to the motor symptoms of the disease.
mesocortical tract, another of the dopaminergic pathways, connects the ventral tegment, part of the midbrain, with the front lobes of the brain. This path regulates certain emotions and motivation. In schizophrenia, this path can be disturbed, leading to inconsistencies of emotions, such as a flat effect.
The mesolimbic tract also begins in the center of the brain, but passes through the limbic system of the brain. This Circuit is involved in emotions, motivation and reward. The mesolimbic tract is another of the dopaminergic pathways disturbed in schizophrenia.
The fourth dopaminergic pathway is the tuberoinfundibular track. This tract leads from the hypothalamus to the pituitary. On the pituitary glandIt transmits signals regulating hormone secretion.
Antipsychotic drugs work by blocking some types of dopamine receptors in dopaminergic brain tracks. However, this action is not limited to mesocortical and mesolimbic tracts that are involved in schizophrenia. When these drugs interact with neurons in the nigrostriatal track, they can cause movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia. These antipsychotic drugs can also disrupt the functioning of the tuberoinfundibular pathway.