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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.
Its name derives from its chemical structure: it is an amine formed by removing a carboxyl group from a molecule of L-DOPA. In the brain, dopamine functions as a neurotransmitter âa chemical released by nerve cells to send signals to other nerve cells.n the opposite direction, drugs that increase the effects of dopamine, such as cocaine or amphetamine, produce heightened levels of activity, including at the highest levels psychomotor agitation and stereotyped movements. The second important effect of dopamine is as a teaching signal.