Burning of dopamine receptors. dopamine diseases. The Technique of Being in the Present Moment

Dopamine is a biogenic amine formed from l-tyrosine and is a precursor of norepinephrine and adrenaline and a mediator that interacts with ?- and ?-adrenergic receptors, as well as with specific receptors, called dopamine receptors and located in various areas of the body. Many dopamine receptors in various areas of the CNS. They can be divided into presynaptic and postsynaptic.

Many groups of pharmacological agents act on the dopaminergic system, which includes the nigrostriatal, mesolimbic, and tuberoinfundibular pathways. The state of the dopaminergic system determines the central regulation of motor activity, behavioral and mental functions, the production of a number of pituitary hormones (secretion of prolactin, growth hormone), and the function of the center of vomiting. The dopaminergic system is regulated through different types of dopamine (D) post- and presynaptic receptors. Stimulation of presynaptic dopamine receptors reduces the synthesis and release of dopamine from nerve endings.

There are 2 groups of dopamine receptors: a group of D1 receptors (subgroups D1 and D5) mainly causes postsynaptic inhibition. They are associated with 08 proteins. Stimulate adenylate cyclase, increasing the content of cAMP. The group of D2 receptors (subgroups D2, D3 and D4) causes pre- and postsynaptic inhibition. These receptors are associated with Gi/o proteins. Inhibit adenylate cyclase. In addition, they activate K+ channels and have a depressant effect on Ca2+ channels. Of the drugs used, both dopamine receptor blockers (for example, antipsychotics and some antiemetics) and substances that activate the dopaminergic system (a number of antiparkinsonian drugs; the dopaminomimetic bromocriptine, which inhibits the production of growth hormone and prolactin in acromegaly1) are known.

Dopamine (dopmin) acts on dopamine receptors, and also, being a precursor of norepinephrine, indirectly stimulates α- and β-adrenergic receptors. In medium therapeutic doses, dopamine has a positive inotropic effect (due to stimulation of β1-adrenergic receptors of the heart), which is combined with the expansion of renal and mesenteric vessels (it excites dopamine receptors in smooth muscles). Dopamine is used for cardiogenic shock. The drug can cause tachycardia, arrhythmia, an excessive increase in peripheral vascular resistance and heart function.

Anticonvulsants. Antiepileptic drugs. Classification and features of the use of drugs in various forms of seizures, contraindications, side effects.

Antiepileptic drugs are used to prevent or reduce convulsions or their equivalents (loss or impairment of consciousness) observed during recurrent seizures of various forms of epilepsy.

The mechanism of action of such drugs is not entirely clear, since in most cases the etiology of epilepsy is unknown. Apparently, one of the possibilities is to reduce the excitability of neurons of the epileptogenic focus with substances. However, many antiepileptic drugs are dominated by their inhibitory effect on the spread of pathological impulses.

Inhibition of interneuronal excitation transmission by antiepileptic substances may be associated with both the suppression of the process of excitation of neurons and with an increase in inhibitory effects, including those due to stimulation of inhibitory neurons.

There are several convulsive and non-convulsive forms of epilepsy, each of which is characterized by a peculiar clinical picture and certain changes in the EEG. So, there are major convulsive seizures, small seizures of epilepsy, myoclonus epilepsy3, focal (partial) epilepsy4, etc.

Treatment of each of the forms of epilepsy is carried out with certain antiepileptic drugs.

There are a number of requirements for antiepileptic drugs. First of all, these funds must have high activity and long duration of action. Good absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is one of the necessary properties of such drugs. It is desirable that they be effective in various forms of epilepsy, which is especially important in the treatment of its mixed forms. Sedative, hypnotic and other side effects of a non-allergic and allergic nature are highly undesirable, since such substances are taken regularly for many months and years. When using them, cumulation, addiction and drug dependence should not occur. low toxicity and wide range of therapeutic action. modern antiepileptic drugs meet only some of these requirements.

Classify antiepileptic drugs, usually based on their use in certain forms of epilepsy:

I. Generalized forms of epilepsy

Grand mal seizures (tonic-clonic seizures)

Sodium Valproate Lamotrigine Difenin Topiramate

Carbamazepine Phenobarbital Hexamidine

Epileptic status

Diazepam Clonazepam Diphenin sodium

Lorazepam Sodium phenobarbital Anesthesia drugs

Small seizures of epilepsy (petit mal; absense epilepsia) Ethosuximide Clonazepam Trimetin

Sodium valproate Lamotrigine Myoclonus epilepsy

Clonazepam Sodium valproate Lamotrigine

II. Focal (partial) forms of epilepsy

Carbamazepine Lamotrigine Clonazepam Tiagabine

Sodium valproate Phenobarbital Topiramate Vigabatrin

Difenin Hexamidin Gabapentin

The main drugs for the prevention of grand mal seizures of epilepsy are carbamazepine, difenin, sodium valproate, phenobarbital, lamotrigine.

Phenobarbital (luminal) is a derivative of barbituric acid. It has a pronounced hypnotic effect. The mechanism of action of phenobarbital is to activate the GABAergic system. The activity of phenobarbital in epilepsy is associated with its inhibitory effect on the excitability of neurons of the epileptogenic focus, as well as on the propagation of nerve impulses. There may be a sedative and sometimes hypnotic effect of the drug. With prolonged use, the possibility of developing addiction and drug dependence is not ruled out.

The hydantoin derivative difenin has a more selective antiepileptic effect. It blocks Na-channels, prolongs the time of their inactivation and thus prevents the generation and propagation of high-frequency discharges. The latter prevents the development of seizures.

Difenin is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Difenin conversion products and a small part of it are excreted unchanged from the body by the kidneys. Difenin can accumulate, but to a much lesser extent than phenobarbital.

Unlike phenobarbital, difenin does not have a general inhibitory effect on the central nervous system. When using difenin, disorders of neurogenic origin (dizziness, ataxia, tremor, etc.) can be observed. Often there is hyperplastic gingivitis, which can cause nausea and vomiting. Various skin rashes are possible.

Content

Hobbies, favorite food, a cup of your favorite coffee with friends, a pet - these and many other things provoke the release of the hormone dopamine into the blood. The brain remembers the source of joy and begins to ask for it again and again. Learn more about this amazing hormone that brings joy, pleasure, enjoyment, turning us into optimists.

What is dopamine

The neurotransmitter produced in the brain is often called the hormone of happiness, pleasure. It stands out during delicious food, doing what you love, having sex, and so on. The hormone dopamine forms an addiction to pleasure, makes a person constantly repeat the experienced sensations. In addition, it is involved in the processes of memory, learning, movement, wakefulness, sleep, regulation and production of certain hormones.

Scientists have found that for the synthesis of the hormones dopamine, serotonin, anticipation is more important than action. A person who expects pleasure has rapid breathing, an increased heart rate, and a rush of blood to the muscles and skin. If you think about the pleasant in extreme situations, the hormone dopamine helps to eliminate pain and cope with shock. What happens when there is a lack of a substance in the body? In this case, a person feels apathy, diseases may develop, depression may occur.

dopamine receptors

At the moment, 5 dopamine receptors are known, differing in pharmacological and biochemical abilities. Conventionally, they are divided into 2 subgroups: D1, D2-like. The first group of dopamine receptors is involved in the energy processes of the body, contributes to an increase in the number of nerve cells, and gives strength. The second group is responsible for the intellectual, emotional properties.

Dopaminergic system

Talking about the hormone of pleasure, it is impossible not to talk about the dopaminergic system. It consists of 7 separate subsystems, the most important of which are: nigrostriatal, mesolimbic, mesocortical. 80% of the dopamine hormone is secreted by the axons of the neurons of the nigrostriatal tract. If the dopaminergic system works correctly, a person has an increased interest in life, willpower, initiative, an excellent ability to concentrate, and high motivation.

dopamine addiction

Thanks to this hormone of joy, life becomes brighter, more significant; it allows you to get carried away with something, fall in love, enjoy simple things. The natural balance of dopamine is important, but if there is a constant “splash”, it causes addiction. A person may become addicted to heroin, computer games, food, alcohol, and so on. Dependence on the hormone is found during stress, poor health, when you have to resort to ways to get dopamine.

If we talk about the level of the hormone dopamine, it remains within the acceptable range, if physical dependence is not formed. In the case of drugs, there is a complete loss of control, the destruction of the normal functioning of the brain. An analysis for dopamine shows a high level, since white poison slows down its processing and excretion. After a while, the brain gets used to this state, the pleasure hormone ceases to act, and the person has to increase the dosage of drugs.

How to increase dopamine levels

Fatigue, frequent depression, dull mood, loss of interest in life may indicate a lack of endorphin, serotonin or dopamine. How to restore dopamine receptors, increase the level of the last hormone? Use simple ways:

1. Change your diet: include in the menu foods rich in tyrosine, antioxidants.
2. Change your lifestyle, exercise daily.
3. Fall in love.
4. Take dopaminergic medications to boost the hormone.
5. Get enough sleep.
6. Drink herbs that increase hormone levels (nettle, ginkgo, ginseng).

dopamine in foods

If you notice the first symptoms of a dopamine hormone deficiency, try to diversify your diet. Proper nutrition will help improve the emotional state, prevent complications. What foods contain dopamine? This is:

• apples;
• bananas;
• eggs;
• cabbage;
• strawberry;
• seafood;
• green tea;
• avocado;
• almond;
• low fat dairy products.

Dopaminergic agents

If it was not possible to improve the condition with products, regular physical exercises, the doctor may prescribe dopaminergic drugs. The main means to increase the level of the hormone dopamine at an affordable price:

1. L-Tyrosine. A medicine that can increase the amount of the dopamine hormone very quickly after taking 1 capsule. If improvement does not occur, after half an hour and an hour, you can drink 1 more tablet.
2. Mucuna. It is used to increase the concentration of the hormone dopamine and other hormones that affect mood. The medicine is indicated for use with psychological stress, depression, Parkinson's disease.
3. Ginkgo biloba. A completely herbal remedy designed to increase the concentration of dopamine, increase the flow of oxygen to the brain.

Dopamine - instructions for use

Dopaminomimetic is available in the form of solutions for injection, has cardiotonic, hypertensive properties. The therapeutic effect is achieved 5 minutes after the injection. In low doses, the drug predominantly acts on dopamine receptors, increasing the level of dopamine. If you have been prescribed dopamine, you should definitely study the instructions for use. The doctor will prescribe the optimal dosage for activating the function of the receptors.

The price of dopamine

The drug is sold in Russia in the form of a concentrate for the preparation of a solution. The package may contain from 5 to 500 ampoules. The price of dopamine varies from 100 to 320 rubles, depending on the volume of the drug. The medicine can be bought in an online store, ordered in online pharmacies through special catalogs - the cost will be slightly lower. Dopamine should only be taken with a doctor's prescription.

Dopaminergic (DA-ergic) system - this is a set of interconnected neurons that secrete dopamine (DA) as a transmitter, which belongs to the group of catecholamines.

In this neurochemical system of the brain, 7 separate subsystems are distinguished: nigrostriatal, mesocortical, mesolimbic, tuberoinfundibular, incertohypothalamic, diencephalospinal and retinal. Of these, the first 3 are the main ones.

The bodies of neurons of the nigrostriatal, mesocortical and mesolimbic systems are located at the level of the midbrain and form a complex of neurons black substance (substantia nigra) and ventral field of the tire. They constitute a continuous cellular network, the projections of which partially overlap, since the axons of these neurons initially go as part of one large tract (the medial bundle of the forebrain), and from there they diverge into different brain structures. The formation of the nigrostriatal, mesolimbic and mesocortical systems is determined by the areas where the axons of dopaminergic neurons terminate, i.e. localization of their projections. Some authors combine the mesocortical and mesolimbic subsystems into a single system. More justified is the allocation of mesocortical and mesolimbic subsystems, respectively, projections into the frontal cortex and limbic structures of the brain.

Nigrostriatal subsystem

The nigrostriatal tract is the most powerful in the dopaminergic system of the brain. The axons of the neurons of this tract release about 80% of cerebral dopamine. The bodies of the dopamine neurons that form this pathway are located mainly in the compact part of the substantia nigra, but some of the fibers also originate from the neurons of the lateral part of the ventral tegmental field of the midbrain.
The cells of the compact part of the substantia nigra project into the dorsal striatum (striatum), and the cells of the ventral tegmental field project into the ventral striatum. The most densely located dopaminergic fibers in the striatum - they start from the lateral sections of the substantia nigra of the same hemisphere. These fibers terminate on the neurons of the caudate nucleus and putamen, i.e. in the neostriatum. Dopaminergic innervation is also received by other structures, in particular the basal ganglia - the globus pallidus (paleostriatum) and the subthalamic nucleus. In the caudate nucleus, denser innervation is noted in the head and a significantly lower density of dopaminergic projections in the caudal part.

Mesocortical subsystem

The bodies of the neurons that form the mesocortical tract are located in the ventral part of the midbrain tegmentum, and the main projections of these neurons reach the frontal (mainly prefrontal, area 10 according to Brodmann - Fig. 9) cortex. The corresponding endings are located mainly in the deep layers of the frontal cortex (V-VI). The mesocortical dopamine system has a great influence on the activity of neurons that form cortical-cortical, cortical-thalamic, and cortical-striatal pathways.

Mesolimbic subsystem

Sources of dopaminergic projections, i.e. the bodies of the neurons of this system are located in the ventral field of the tegmentum of the midbrain and partly in the compact part of the substantia nigra. Their processes go to the cingulate gyrus, the entorial cortex, the amygdala, the olfactory tubercle, the nucleus accumbens, the hippocampus, the parahippocampal gyrus, the septum, and other structures of the limbic system of the brain. Having extensive connections, the Mesolimbic system is also indirectly projected to the frontal cortex and hypothalamus. This determines the broad functions of the mesolimbic system, which is involved in the mechanisms of memory, emotions, learning, and neuroendocrine regulation.

Other tracts

The tuberoinfundibular tract is formed by axons of neurons located in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. The processes of such neurons reach the outer layer of the median eminence. This tract controls the secretion of prolactin. Dopamine inhibits its secretion and therefore the content of prolactin in the blood plasma serves as an indirect indicator of the function of the dopaminergic system of the brain, which is often used to assess the effect of psychopharmacological agents on it. The incertohypothalamic tract starts from the zona incerta and ends in the dorsal and anterior parts of the medial thalamus, as well as in the periventricular region. It takes part in neuroendocrine regulation. The source of the projections of the diencephalospinal tract are the neurons of the posterior hypothalamus, the processes of which reach the posterior horns of the spinal cord. The retinal tract is located within the retina of the eye. The features of this tract make it rather autonomous among other dopaminergic tracts.

The given system of dividing dopaminergic formations of the brain into separate subsystems is not absolute, since the projections of dopaminergic neurons of different tracts overlap. In addition, a diffuse distribution of dopaminergic elements (individual cells with processes) is also noted in the brain.
The dopaminergic systems of the brain mature predominantly in the postnatal period.
Dopamine terminals form synapses mainly on spines and dendritic trunks - these are axospinous and axodendritic synapses (more than 90% of them). Only single synapses (less than 10%) are located on the bodies of neurons (axosomatic) and on axons (axo-axonal).

Video:dopamine pathways

Dopamine receptors (RcDA)

The main types of dopamine receptors are D1 and D2 receptors. The D3, D4, and D5 receptors have also recently been discovered. They are all located mainly on the postsynaptic membrane. But in the dopaminergic system, there are also autoreceptors located on the body of neurons, axons, dendrites and terminals, which respond to their own dopamine, regulating its synthesis and release. Their stimulation leads to a decrease in the activity of dopamine neurons.
Most of the characterized dopamine receptors are D2 receptors. Less is known about the function of D1 receptors. They are distinguished from D2 receptors by the ability to stimulate the activity of the enzyme adenylate cyclase, which in turn is involved in the synthesis of the second messenger, cAMP. D1- and D2-receptors exist in two forms - high- and low-affinity, which is determined by their ability to bind agonists and antagonists. It has been shown that D2 receptors have an affinity for butyrophenones, while D1 receptors do not have this ability.
D2 receptors predominate in the striatum - caudate nucleus and putamen, but are also present in the cingulate gyrus and insular cortex. In the striatum, D2 was found not only on dopaminergic, but also on cholinergic neurons. This explains the conjugate release of acetylcholine upon administration of dopamine agonists. Mapping of D1 receptors gave less convincing results, but it was found that they predominate in the cerebral cortex, especially in the prefrontal cortex, where there are also D2 receptors. D1 receptors are also present in the striatum.
Receptors DZ, D4, D5 were discovered relatively recently. Structural features and pharmacological properties of DZ receptors are close to those of D2 receptors. The D4 receptor also has similarities with D2 and D3, and the D5 receptor with D1.
Various psychopharmacological drugs, being agonists or antagonists, have a relatively selective effect on D1 and D2 receptors. Thus, phenothiazines block D1 and D2 receptors; haloperidol and pimozide are stronger blockers of these receptors; Sulpiride is also considered a strong antagonist. In contrast, flupentixol has a high affinity for D1 receptors.
Of great importance for understanding the mechanisms of action of neuroleptics at the level of dopamine receptors is their molecular structure. It turned out that the molecules of dopamine and phenothiazine, according to X-ray diffraction analysis, have a certain structural similarity. There are also similarities in the molecules of dopamine and amphetamine (a dopamine agonist). Therefore, neuroleptics are able to eliminate the psychotomimetic effects of the latter.
Long-term administration of neuroleptics leads to increased binding of dopamine receptors and increased behavioral responses to dopamine agonists. This phenomenon is interpreted as hypersensitivity of dopamine receptors. It is associated with the development of side effects in the treatment of neuroleptics, in particular with hypersensitivity of receptors in the striatum - the development of extrapyramidal disorders. But the discovery of atypical neuroleptics has made some adjustments to pre-existing ideas. It turned out that such an atypical antipsychotic as sulpiride, being highly specific for D2 receptors (unlike Chlorpromazine, haloperidol, etc.), acting on the cells of the ventral region of the tegmentum, which innervates the limbic cortex and the cerebral cortex, does not affect the neurons of the black substances projected onto the striatum. This explains the rarity of the occurrence of drug parkinsonism in the treatment of sulpiride.
Such an atypical neuroleptic as clozapine (leponex) binds not only D2-, but to a greater extent D1-receptors and receptors of other neurochemical systems (serotonin, acetylcholine, etc.).

In this article, we will talk about a strange hormone called dopamine. When we use the hormone dopamine correctly, it does not create unnecessary problems for us, but motivates us and helps us make our lives better. But if dopamine is used incorrectly, it can drive us into a strong addiction. Read about how this happens in this article.

The hormone dopamine is not the hormone of happiness, as many believe. Dopamine is a hormone that only promises happiness. There is a big difference between these two concepts.

How does dopamine cause addiction?

Let's first talk about how dopamine can be addictive.

The hormone dopamine is essentially a drug built into our body that is activated by external factors.

Have you ever thought, for example, why a person can become addicted to so many different things at the same time?

1. Heroin
2. Sweet
3. Masturbation, watching pornography
4. Marijuana
5. Social media
6. Calorie food ()

Personally, it seemed strange to me why such things and activities, in which there is little in common, can cause the same phenomenon - strong addiction.

We will try to sort out this issue.

The fact is that all of the above activities cause a strong surge of the dopamine hormone in the human body.

The stronger the surge of dopamine occurs, the more severe the consequences that a person experiences after that.

And addiction can be obtained both from heroin and it is sweet.

The fact is that with the help of various activities we artificially cause an increase in the level of the hormone dopamine in the body.

It seems to us that the actions we have committed will remain without consequences - we got high and dispersed, then we live on as if nothing had happened.

But it was not there. 99.9% of people ignore the negative consequences that begin to appear a little later than addiction or simply do not realize them.

dopamine receptors

Due to the fact that a huge surge of dopamine falls on the body, the body reduces the sensitivity of the so-called dopamine receptors.

Dopamine receptors are receptors that are responsible for registering the hormone dopamine in the body.

Simply put, the same feeling of happiness can be obtained with both low dopamine levels and high receptor sensitivity, and high dopamine levels and low receptor sensitivity.

2 x 50 = 50 x 2

I will give a simple example.

• At the same time, as an addict who has injected heroin, he simply begins to feel "normal".

From all this, the conclusion follows that we need to avoid unnecessary " dopamine surge into your psyche and lead a life as balanced and modest as possible. So the sensitivity of the receptors will not fall, and our level of well-being will be normal.

Negative effects of the hormone dopamine

What happens when we apply this or that kind of dependence?

The graph illustrates how the release of dopamine reduces a person's level of happiness.

1. The body sees that a large portion of dopamine has arrived at it, and in order to save dopamine receptors, it reduces their number and sensitivity. It is a way of protecting the body from our actions.
2. When do we stop stimulating the dopamine center ( we stop pouring alcohol, smoking, playing, masturbating, eating, etc.), formed connections of the hormone dopamine for some time (maximum 1 hour) keep us in a satisfied state. It seems to us that we " relieved stress' and that was the end of it.
3. But then, when literally a couple of hours pass, we no longer feel the satisfaction from life that we had before.
4. Now, being in the same conditions, anxiety, depression, irritability and other withdrawal symptoms come to us. I wrote about them in the article "". I recommend reading.

All this causes an increasing temptation to return to our " dope to remove the negative feelings experienced. So we get into a cycle of addiction, which only constantly aggravates the general situation.

The duration of the negative effects of the dopamine hit

The state of dissatisfaction does not pass quickly.

They will last long enough (several days, weeks or months depending on the type of addiction).

Having received a dopamine hit, the nervous system lays temporary buffer when the level of receptors will remain low enough for a long time to hedge against new attacks. What if you again want to pour a new dopamine hit on your nervous system? And keeping the sensitivity of the receptors at a minimum, she will be ready for this.

Received a non-standard portion of pleasure? - Get depressed and overwhelmed for the next 10 days. This is the law. It cannot be bypassed or undone.

Schedule. The release of dopamine causes long-term negative effects - low mood, anxiety, depression for many days to come.

addiction progression. What happens if you abuse the hormone dopamine?

The more often a person uses a dopamine injection, be it

• chemically (, drugs, nicotine),
• be it in a different way (sweet, overeating, onanism,), the more the sensitivity of dopamine receptors decreases each time.

Over time, a person begins to enjoy his addiction less and less.

He constantly needs to increase the dose to feel the same way. It is called increased tolerance for addiction .

A person begins to drink more, smoke more, play more, watch more porn, combine several addictions at the same time to increase pleasure effect.

Over time, the drug (legal or illegal) ceases to " cling"a person and give him the pleasure that was before, but simply removes for a short time the negative that the drug itself gave rise to.

How does the hormone dopamine change overall mood? Norm level.

If you are doing dopamine shot, there is a reorientation of the scale of sensations, according to a new point that has appeared on the graph in the form of “great pleasure”. Then all other pleasures fade in comparison, and the level of the norm falls into the area of ​​anxiety and constant anxiety.

If before that our daily norm (when we felt “normal”) was considered ordinary life: work, family, everyday worries and so on - this is the old norm in the new coordinate system can already become a living hell for us. Even when a person is in a normal state, he can experience severe anxiety attacks, from the fact that he is completely dissatisfied with life, up to thoughts of suicide.

And these are not jokes, but a real perception of reality that overtakes the addict and he cannot do anything about it.

An addicted person only feels for short periods of time what a healthy person feels all the time.

Naturally, in such a state, one cannot speak of a normal life.

If you want to start leading a truly healthy life, you need to give up all addictions so that you don't reduce the level of happiness in your life.

Simply put, you need to learn to enjoy ordinary things without resorting to injections and not using stimulating actions.

If the hormone dopamine is produced from natural needs: to eat (to normal), to do interesting things, or, and so on, then this does not bring negativity. If, moreover, these cases are not compulsive. I wrote about this in an article.

Over time, the nervous system will recover, and your level of receptivity will return to normal. Then you can enjoy ordinary life from ordinary pleasures.

But this takes time and the exclusion of all kinds of dependencies. But instantly the nervous system does not recover.

The Relativity of Happiness

We come to the conclusion that the level of pleasure is relative. The nervous system adjusts and calibrates its sensitivity to life circumstances.

You can live a much happier life if you live more or less modestly, while having small needs.

On the contrary, the steeper you live (the more dopamine injections you do), the more the sensitivity of receptors decreases, and the more time you walk in an unsatisfactory state.

Remember that even a rare dopamine rush will set you back on the road to addiction recovery. The normal level for any addiction is zero.

You don't think about how much heroin you can inject yourself daily into a vein to be considered normal?

You have no doubt that this norm is zero. The same attitude should be towards alcohol, nicotine, onanism, and other addictions.

Is it possible to bypass the effects of dopamine hormone injection?

Remember that even a 3-5 minute act of addiction will doom you to suffering in the future for an incomparably long time.

This is the law. Many hope that they will get by with little bloodshed. But the fact that a dopamine surge in the future causes long-term suffering works like a law of gravity.

It is better not to tempt fate, but to live, taking into account this law, and in vain not to drive your nervous system to high speeds.Loading...

Dopamine ( eng. Dopamine) is the biological precursor. It brings pleasure from the process of waiting for a pleasant event: a gift, a meeting, an award, a movement towards the goal.

Dopamine is not just a “joy” hormone, but a motivating substance that promises happiness.

When dopamine rises, serotonin falls. It is an antagonist of serotonin - a hormone that produces when something is achieved. If there is no confirmation of success, both hormones go down - disappointment arises.

How is dopamine produced?

Dopamine is a chemical conductor that facilitates the transmission of signals through the central nervous system, from one neuron to another. It affects the nucleus accumbens of the brain - one of the main centers of pleasure.

This part of the brain interacts with the centers responsible for emotions and control over them, as well as for the process of memory and memorization, curiosity, and motivation. Agonists stimulate dopamine receptors in the brain and various types of receptors (selectively).

Sufficient production of the hormone gives energy, the strength to achieve goals, to have desires, to learn new things, to be in motion. At the same time, the process of motivation itself is a pleasure for a person. Low level provokes apathy.

Such a neurotransmitter can be produced in the brain of animals, as well as by the medulla of the adrenal glands and kidneys. According to the results of neuroscience research, dopamine increases in the process of remembering a pleasant reward. Dopamine agonists, due to their chemical properties, contribute to the direct stimulation of DA receptors that reproduce the effect of dopamine.

Functions

In addition to the pleasure and joy that a person experiences in the process of waiting for a pleasant result, dopamine also contributes to the provision of a number of additional functions.

Orientation	Action
Learning process, curiosity	- The hormone of joy dopamine promotes the memorization of information, the effectiveness of the learning process is enhanced. Curiosity is an intrinsic motivation that encourages the search for answers to certain questions and knowledge about unfamiliar things. It is a kind of survival mechanism. There is a better assimilation of the information to which a person is interested.
feeling of happiness	- People are prone to pleasure, joy, relaxation as a result of the release of dopamine in certain centers of the brain. After dopamine is produced, a person becomes completely satisfied, joyful, and this is one of the basic needs of each of us.
Creative inclinations	- According to the results of scientific research, the quantitative content of dopamine in creative people and patients with schizophrenia is approximately the same. - Dopamine receptors in the thalamus are characterized by a lower density. Incoming signals about reasoning and knowledge are filtered to a lesser extent. As a result, the information flow increases. A creative person can "see" non-standard ways to solve problem situations. Patients with schizophrenia suffer from restless associative thinking.
personal development	- A person's propensity for extraverted or introverted behavior is also directly dependent on dopamine. Extroverts are more impulsive and have more opportunities to activate dopamine responses. Extroverts are also more prone to risky behavior, all sorts of addictions.
Impact on motivation	- One of the elements that form motivation. Lack of motivation or development of anhedonia is observed in people with dopamine deficiency
Physiological properties of dopamine as an adrenergic substance	- Cardiovascular system: increased systolic blood pressure, increased strength of heart contractions. - Organs of the gastrointestinal tract: inhibition of intestinal motility, an increase in gastroesophageal and duodeno-gastric reflux Kidneys: increased filtration and blood flow in the vessels.

Dopamine contributes to focusing on the most important thing for a person at the moment, achieving the goal, switching from one task to another. It is a kind of reward system that tends to decrease if a person considers options for an unsuccessful outcome of the situation.

Dopamine can only promise happiness, but is not its guarantor.

Deficiency and excess of dopamine

With hormone deficiency, patients tend to:

• to increased anxiety.
• development of viral diseases.
• dopamine depression.
• Dysfunctions of the cardiovascular system.
• Lack of motivation.
• social phobias.
• Violations of the functioning of the endocrine system.
• Syndrome of hyperactivity and attention deficit.
• Difficulties in trying to have fun, enjoy life.
• Reduced libido, complete lack of interest in the opposite sex.

The exception is Parkinson's disease, in which the substantia nigra that produces the neurotransmitter degrades.

Uncontrolled elevation can be dangerous. With an excess of dopamine, psychological deviations are possible in the form of schizophrenia, bipolar disorders.

How to increase dopamine?

When to normalize the psycho-emotional state of the patient, drugs are used, the action of which is aimed at suppressing the neurotransmitter. This reduces the length of time during which the hormone is in the interneuronal space.

It is also shown to adjust the composition of the diet and lifestyle, introduce moderate physical activity, healthy sleep.

Nutrition

The described products are recommended to be used only if they are pleasant and bring pleasure. To improve mood, the use of yogurt, dark chocolate, citrus fruits, seeds, herbal tea, broccoli is also recommended.

At reduced dopamine indicated abstinence from caffeine-based products, fast carbohydrates, white bread, noodles, cakes, sugar and shortbread cookies, watermelon, carrots, chips, fried and baked potatoes.

Physical activity

With a lack of dopamine, it is important to give preference to moderate physical activity. A suitable sport is selected depending on the personal interests of a person, his constitution. It can be yoga or gymnastics, swimming, jogging in the fresh air. It is important that a person enjoys the process of training and feels the benefit from them.

Sleeping mode

Regular lack of sleep provokes a negative impact on the functioning of dopamine receptors. In order to stabilize the level of hormones per day at night.

Medicines

In the event that the correction of lifestyle, diet in combination with physical activity is ineffective, patients are shown the use of certain groups of medications.

• Ginkgo biloba is a plant-based drug that is well tolerated by patients. Helps to increase concentration, improve the supply of oxygen to the brain.
• L-Tyrosine - a non-hormonal supplement, an amino acid that affects the level of dopamine and helps to cope with depressive disorders, adrenal insufficiency, memory and learning problems.
• Mucuna is a drug that increases dopamine and other hormones responsible for the functioning of the pleasure center. Drugs are used to eliminate depression, stress, Parkinson's disease.

dopamine medications

Dopamine-based drugs can be used in the treatment of various diseases. The active substance of the drug is dopamine, the release form is a concentrate for preparing a solution for infusion. The use of the drug is recommended for shock or conditions that threaten its development:

• Heart failure.
• Marked decrease in blood pressure.
• severe infections.
• postoperative shock.

Dopamine-based drugs can interact with other groups of drugs: sympathomimetics, MAO inhibitors, anesthetics, diuretics, thyroid drugs.

It is necessary to be especially careful and use the medicine in strict accordance with the instructions regarding the dosing regimen and other recommendations of the manufacturer.

dopamine and alcohol

When drinking alcoholic beverages, the level of the hormone in the blood increases significantly, the person is in euphoria. As soon as alcohol ceases to act, high spirits are replaced by increased irritability, depression, and the person needs a new dose or restoration of the original hormonal balance.

Dopamine Addictions

Most narcotic substances increase the production of dopamine by more than 5 times. People get artificial pleasure due to the mechanism of action:

• Nicotine, drugs based on morphine - imitation of the action of a natural neurotransmitter.
• Amphetamine - the mechanisms of transport of dopamine are affected.
• Psychostimulants, cocaine - blocking the natural capture of dopamine, increasing its concentration in the synaptic space.
• Alcoholic drinks block dopamine agonists.

With regular stimulation of the reward system the brain begins to reduce the synthesis of natural dopamine(resistance) and number of receptors. This prompts the person to increase the dose of narcotic substances.

Addiction (dependence) can be formed not only by various substances, but also by certain behaviors: a hobby for shopaholism, computer games, etc.

Schultz experiment on monkeys

During the experiment, Wolfram Schultz confirmed that the production of dopamine occurs in the process of waiting. In order to prove this, the experimental monkeys were placed in a cage and conditioned reflexes were created according to Pavlov's scheme: after a light signal was received, the animal received a piece of an apple.

As soon as the monkey acquired a delicacy, the process of hormone production returned to normal. After the formation of the conditioned reflex, dopamine neurons increased immediately after the signal was given, even before receiving a piece of apple.

Scientists have suggested that dopamine allows you to:

• To form and consolidate conditioned reflexes, if their encouragement and consolidation is observed.
• Dopamine stops being produced if the reinforcement (serotonin) is not present or when the desired thing ceases to be interesting.