Dopamine - Basic Definitions And Chemical Information

Dopamine is one of a group of chemicals known as catecholamine neurotransmitters. Catecholamines are a group of chemicals that include epinephrine (adrenalin); histamine, which is responsible for many of the symptoms of allergies; and serotonin, a molecule that has been suggested as aiding in sleep. This group of compounds is sometimes collectively known as the biogenic amines. Neurotransmitters are chemicals used by the body to signal or send information between nerve cells or nerve and muscle cells. The chemical structure of dopamine is shown below. The NH₂ group on the molecule is the amine group in the term biogenic amines. Figure 1. The chemical structure of dopamine. Illustration by Hans & Cassidy. Courtesy of Gale Group. A representation of how an antipsychotic drug inhibits dopamine released by presynaptic neurons from reaching receptors on postsynaptic neurons. Illustration by Hans & Cassidy. Courtesy of Gale Group. This entire group of chemicals has been implicated in depression and general moods.