Articles tagged with Dopamine
A TSRI study reveals that a specific endocannabinoid called 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) acts as a molecular switch to increase motivation to consume nicotine. By blocking its production, compounds like 1,2,3-triazole urea inhibitors may restore the brain's balance and reduce nicotine's effects.
Researchers found that a specific COMT gene variant is associated with higher cortisol levels in stressed Japanese macaques, leading to more aggressive behavior. This study provides insight into the genetic basis of stress hormone production in non-human primates and its potential connections to human behavior.
Researchers at Rockefeller University discover how dopamine alters connections between neurons in fly brain to change odor responses. This study parallels the action of dopamine in human brain, suggesting a coordinated mechanism for flexible behavior.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a method to convert skin cells into functional dopamine neurons by manipulating the expression of p53 and Tet1 enzymes. This breakthrough enables the efficient generation of patient-specific neurons that can be transplanted into the brain to repair faulty dopamine neurons.
Researchers mapped brain circuits that cause hyperactive dopamine release in response to cocaine. The study found a key relay between the extended amygdala and ventral subiculum drives persistent dopamine hyperactivity.
Scientists measured dopamine signals in Parkinson's patients during brain surgery, revealing rapid dopamine release encodes information crucial for human choice. The findings have widespread implications for neurological and psychiatric disorders, including depression and addiction.
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have found that the interaction between a pair of brain proteins has a substantial effect on memory formation. The study reveals that when these two receptors interact, the ghrelin receptor changes the structure of the dopamine receptor and alters its signaling pathway.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that weight loss surgery curbs sweet tooth behavior by reducing dopamine release in the brain. The research suggests that positive outcomes are more likely if sugary foods seem less rewarding after surgery.
Researchers studying a mutant worm found that the absence of a gene altered dopamine signaling, leading to changes in how nerve cells respond to stimuli. This discovery may open new treatment avenues for diseases such as Parkinson's and schizophrenia.
Researchers found that insulin stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain, leading to a feeling of pleasure. The study also suggests that people may choose high-carb or low-fat meals based on their insulin levels, potentially affecting weight and type II diabetes.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found that OSU6162 can reduce craving for alcohol in people with alcohol dependence, normalizing dopamine levels in brain reward system. Thorough clinical studies are needed to confirm efficacy.
Scientists at NCBS identify new roles for calcium refill mechanisms in regulating dopamine levels in the brain. Inhibiting these mechanisms disrupts dopamine synthesis and transport, affecting gene expression.
Research reveals dopamine transmission via D1 receptors is essential for information flow through the basal ganglia to control movements. Lack of D1 receptor-mediated dopamine transmission disrupts 'direct pathway' and results in slowness of movements in Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center discovered that long-term use of L-DOPA leads to dyskinesia due to striatonigral neurons becoming less responsive to GABA. This suggests that modulating these neurons could prevent or delay dyskinesia.
A study published in Current Biology reveals that lycaenid butterfly larvae can control the behavior of ants by supplying them with nectar rich in sugars and amino acids. This manipulation reduces locomotor activity and increases aggression in the ants, suggesting a selfish strategy to maintain mutualism.
Researchers found that external brain stimulation, specifically transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), can compensate for the loss of dopamine in people with Parkinson's disease by decreasing the effort the brain has to put into getting its motor neurons to fire. This correction improves some patients' motor symptoms.
A new study has found that the satiety hormone leptin plays a crucial role in the 'runner's high' feeling, with mice running longer distances on a wheel due to reduced leptin signaling. The research also suggests that people with lower fat-adjusted leptin levels may be more inclined to exercise.
A University of Bristol study has identified the mechanisms behind disruption in brain communication channels linked to schizophrenia symptoms. The research reveals that over-activation of dopamine receptors can suppress NMDA receptor function, leading to a marked disruption of communication between key brain regions.
A recent study proposes that sequestered prion protein may be involved in depression by modulating monoaminergic systems and causing desensitization of dopamine receptors. The research found increased levels of serotonin receptors and dopamine in mice lacking normal prions, leading to depressive-like behavior.
High-fat feeding, especially saturated fats, can cause impairments in critical motivation brain pathways, according to a new study published in Neuropsychopharmacology. The research found that rats fed with palm oil had blunted dopamine function, leading the brain to compensate by heightening reward-seeking behavior.
A new study integrates neuroscience and psychology to reveal how sleep suppresses the activity of certain nerve cells that promote forgetting, ensuring at least some memories last. Sleep facilitates memory retention by blocking dopamine neuron-mediated forgetting, leading to more stable memories.
Dopamine-producing neurons play a crucial role in signal transmission, influencing motor control, reward behaviour, motivation, and impulse control. The discovery reveals that glutamate facilitates rapid signal transmission, enabling the brain to respond quickly to stimuli.
The study reveals how addictive drugs interfere with dopamine signaling, leading to addiction. New treatments may be developed to block interference with dopamine transporters.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry found that dopamine signals the value of delayed rewards, revealing a sophisticated role in guiding decision-making behavior. The research used rodent models to examine the neurotransmitter's dynamic tracking of specific elements of value-based decision making.
A new study suggests that dopamine contributes to chronic pain states by targeting A11 neurons. Removing these neurons can selectively diminish chronic pain in mice. The findings offer potential clues for developing new treatments for chronic pain.
Researchers have reconciled three unrelated hypotheses about schizophrenia's causes by studying mice with a genetic deletion. The findings suggest that faulty neural connections, excess dopamine, and brain pruning are linked to the disease. The study aims to develop treatment strategies targeting these underlying causes.
A new approach has reversed Parkinson's-like symptoms in rats by delivering dopamine via biodegradable nanoparticles that crossed the blood-brain barrier without side effects. This breakthrough could lead to a new treatment for human patients.
Researchers at RIKEN Brain Science Institute identified IRBIT as a key player in regulating dopamine levels in the brain. The absence of IRBIT leads to hyperactivity and abnormal social behavior in mice, highlighting its role in maintaining balance.
Researchers found that a neural circuit evaluates environmental variability to prompt animals to explore new locations. The circuit uses information from the animal's senses to determine predictability, triggering dopamine release and increased risk-taking behavior. This discovery could lead to better therapies for neurodegenerative an...
Researchers at the Buck Institute have confirmed that Parkinson's disease mutations alter mitochondrial function in human cells for the first time. The study provides a tool for testing potential therapeutics and promises to address concerns about genetic differences between patients.
Researchers detected antibodies to dopamine D2 receptor and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor among children experiencing their first episode of psychosis. The finding suggests a distinct subgroup where autoimmunity plays a role in their illness, paving the way for more specific diagnosis and effective interventions.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation is supporting research on a novel therapy for Parkinson's disease by Dr Bryce Vissel and Sandy Stayte at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. The prototype drug targets kainate receptors to slow disease progression.
A study found that listening to classical music enhances gene activity related to learning, memory, and synaptic function, while down-regulating genes associated with neurodegeneration. Musically experienced participants showed the most significant effects, suggesting familiarity plays a key role in music-induced changes.
Researchers at IUPUI are conducting a study on how alcohol affects the brain's reward system, using a unique blend of mathematical modeling and experimental neuroscience. The goal is to gain a better understanding of how alcohol hijacks dopamine release, a key factor in addiction.
New research confirms GDNF is not necessary for maintaining dopamine neurons, contradicting previous findings. The absence of GDNF in mice did not cause significant damage to the midbrain dopamine system or trigger motor disorders.
A recent clinical study has shown that applying a growth factor to the brain may help preserve dopaminergic cells and fibers, increasing dopamine signaling in patients. The study suggests that future therapies could utilize the brain's own protective mechanisms to limit neuronal cell death and restore natural dopamine production.
Researchers found altered patterns and frequencies of electrical activity in dopamine midbrain neurons critical for emotional and cognitive processing. These findings suggest that impaired dopamine neuronal activity contributes to schizophrenia's negative symptoms, such as cognitive deficits and impaired motivation.
Researchers from the University of Leicester used electrophysiology to capture electrical signals from dopamine neurons in the forebrain, revealing that these cells are active when fish swim. The study suggests that dopamine plays a key role in regulating excitability of spinal networks and may contribute to motor side effects of dopam...
A new study has discovered genetic variations in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that disrupt dopamine signaling, leading to behavioral changes. The findings provide a potential target for developing more effective treatments for ASD.
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that patients with Parkinson's disease experience improved motor skills when receiving an 'expensive' drug, even if it's just a placebo. The study suggests that harnessing the placebo response could enhance treatment benefits and reduce dosage needs.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have gained new insight into the dopamine transporter mechanism, which could lead to the development of a cocaine antidote. The discovery highlights an interaction between amino acids that controls access for dopamine to its binding site in the protein.
A new study suggests that dopamine can prevent the growth of blood vessels in tumors without causing serious side effects, unlike existing anti-angiogenic drugs. Dopamine also prevents low neutrophil counts induced by chemotherapy, making it a potential alternative for gastrointestinal cancer treatment.
Researchers created a computer model to understand how animals learn from feedback, revealing how brain signals work together to choose actions. The study provides new insights into motor disorders like Parkinson's Disease and abnormal learning in conditions such as addiction.
A study by University of Houston researchers suggests that activating intrinsic antioxidant pathways, such as Nrf2, could protect the kidney dopamine system and maintain normal blood pressure. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding and treating hypertension and other diseases related to oxidative stress.
Researchers at IRCM have discovered a mechanism that regulates dopamine levels in the brain, which could lead to new treatments for Parkinson's disease. The Rgs6 gene plays a crucial role in preventing excessive dopaminergic signalling and cellular stress.
Female Drosophila sechellia flies produce fewer eggs than other fruit flies due to a genetic mutation that inhibits dopamine production, but feeding morinda fruits or chemicals from these fruits increases fertility. Dopamine precursor L-DOPA is present in morinda fruits and compensates for the genetic deficiency.
Researchers found no evidence of asymptomatic myocardial dysfunction or deterioration of systolic function in patients taking pramipexole and ropinirole. This suggests that non-ergot derived dopamine agonists may be safe for the heart, contradicting previous concerns about an increased risk of heart failure.
A transgenic mouse with a rare human genetic variation in the dopamine transporter protein may lead to improvements in ADHD, autism and bipolar disorder diagnosis and treatment. The mice exhibit unusual "darting behavior," which could be related to impulsivity and abnormal dopamine release.
A new study at Brown University reveals that conflict in learning tasks biases the brain to reduce the influence of reward and increase the influence of aversion to punishment. The researchers used EEG scans, genetic tests, and manipulation with a dopamine-related drug to gather evidence for this link. They found that people who learn ...
Researchers have developed CNiFERs cells to track dopamine signaling, providing a real-time readout of neurochemical activity associated with learning, memory and reward. The study reveals that dopamine release is linked to classical conditioning and anticipatory behavior.
A study found associations between dopamine receptor agonist drugs and serious impulse control disorders, including pathological gambling and hypersexuality. The medications were prescribed for Parkinson disease and restless leg syndrome, but the reports showed mostly male patients, median age of 55, primarily in the US.
Researchers found that curiosity helps learn about a topic and memorize unrelated information, with increased activity in brain regions involved in reward and memory. Curiosity also enhances learning in the classroom and workplace.
Research from University of British Columbia suggests dopamine plays a key role in guiding risky decisions. The study found that altering dopamine signals can impact decision-making, leading to more or less conservative choices.
A study by the NIH found that obese individuals have greater dopamine activity in the habit-forming region of the brain, making them more drawn to overeat in response to food triggers. This differences could contribute to the development of effective weight-loss programs.
A new Penn Medicine study found that dopamine replacement therapy is associated with an increase in impulse control disorders and excessive daytime sleepiness in newly diagnosed Parkinson's disease patients. In contrast, fatigue improved with dopamine therapy, but depression remained undertreated.
Researchers found that dolphins and beluga whales exhibit a delay between reward anticipation and squealing, suggesting they experience pleasure. This behavior is comparable to the timing of dopamine release in humans.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism to develop drugs that can control schizophrenia symptoms without causing common anti-psychotic side effects. By targeting the dopamine D2 receptor, the 'dimmer switch' approach aims to subtly dial down dopamine's effect, potentially treating the disease and avoiding side-effects.
Research found that lower dopamine transporter binding correlates with stronger visual attention bias for food cues, detecting food pictures more quickly among neutral images. Higher dopamine activity was linked to increased food intake over a period of 7 days.
Stimulating the ventral tegmental area with mild electric currents induced dopamine release and restored conscious behaviors in anesthetized rats. The study suggests that dopamine release from this region may play a role in emergence from general anesthesia.
Researchers discovered a link between credit assignment and choice bias, finding that people value rewards they choose more than equivalent rewards not chosen. The study used computational modeling and behavioral experiments to test the hypothesis, and found evidence supporting the proposed biological mechanism.