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Dopamine: one of the catecholamine neurotransmitters in the brain; it is derived from tyrosine and is the precursor to norepinephrine and epinephrine; dopamine is a major transmitter in the extrapyramidal system of the brain, and important in regulating movement; dopamine receptors mediate its action.Source: CRISP.t is derived from tyrosine and is the precursor to NOREPINEPHRINE and EPINEPHRINE. Dopamine is a major transmitter in the extrapyramidal system of the brain, and important in regulating movement. A family of receptors (RECEPTORS, DOPAMINE) mediate its action. Source: MeSH 2007.
Dopamine itself is not typically used as a medication because when it is taken orally, it does not cross the blood-brain barrier, and thus cannot be transported into the brain. Levodopa (also known as L-Dopa) is the most commonly used dopamine precursor.It occurs naturally in plants and animals and is converted into dopamine in the human body. Legumes such as fava beans contain high levels of levodopa. A synthetic form of levodopa is available and used as a medication.opamine itself is not typically used as a medication because when it is taken orally, it does not cross the blood-brain barrier, and thus cannot be transported into the brain. Levodopa (also known as L-Dopa) is the most commonly used dopamine precursor.