GLOSSARY

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator of the catecholamine group, made from the amino acid tyrosine, playing a key role in motivation, reward-based learning, motor control, and hormonal regulation; it is also the precursor of noradrenaline.

Main Dopamine Pathways

• Nigrostriatal: from the substantia nigra to the basal ganglia; motor control.
• Mesolimbic: from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens; reward and motivation.
• Mesocortical: to the frontal cortex; focus, planning, and working memory.
• Tuberoinfundibular: inhibits prolactin secretion.

An Important Scientific Point

Dopamine is more a signal of “anticipated reward and prediction error” than a “pleasure hormone”; it drives us to strive and reach goals.

Clinical Application