Fifty years of dopamine research

The paper discusses the significant role of dopamine in various neurological and psychological disorders, highlighting its prominence in psychopharmacological research since the 1970s. Dopamine's involvement is not limited to motor impairments observed in Parkinson's Disease (PD) and side effects of antischizophrenic drugs, but extends to cognitive and motivational disorders, including schizophrenia, drug addiction, and attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Development

Research interest in catecholamine systems, particularly the dopamine system, has been intense due to two primary reasons. First, the ability to demonstrate dopamine's central role in a wide range of neurological and psychological disorders has made it a critical area of study. Second, the capacity to visualize and anatomically map the localization of dopamine in the brain and its response to injury has further driven research efforts. Historical studies, such as those by Carlsson and Hornykiewicz, established the foundation for understanding dopamine's distribution and physiological role in the nervous system. Subsequent studies have continued to explore its functions, including dopamine's regulation of corticostriatal plasticity, neuron firing related to goal-directed behavior, motor habits, and interactions with glutamate in the striatum.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dopamine remains at the forefront of neurological and psychopharmacological research due to its pivotal role in both motor and cognitive aspects of brain function. Understanding dopamine's mechanisms continues to be essential for developing treatments for a range of disorders, from Parkinson's Disease to ADHD and schizophrenia, emphasizing its ongoing significance in neuroscience.

Original paper: 10.1016/j.tins.2007.03.002