The Formation and Function of the VTA Dopamine System.
Int J Mol Sci
; 25(7)2024 Mar 30.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38612683
ABSTRACT
The midbrain dopamine system is a sophisticated hub that integrates diverse inputs to control multiple physiological functions, including locomotion, motivation, cognition, reward, as well as maternal and reproductive behaviors. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that binds to G-protein-coupled receptors. Dopamine also works together with other neurotransmitters and various neuropeptides to maintain the balance of synaptic functions. The dysfunction of the dopamine system leads to several conditions, including Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, major depression, schizophrenia, and drug addiction. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) has been identified as an important relay nucleus that modulates homeostatic plasticity in the midbrain dopamine system. Due to the complexity of synaptic transmissions and input-output connections in the VTA, the structure and function of this crucial brain region are still not fully understood. In this review article, we mainly focus on the cell types, neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, ion channels, receptors, and neural circuits of the VTA dopamine system, with the hope of obtaining new insight into the formation and function of this vital brain region.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Neuropeptides
/
Depressive Disorder, Major
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Int J Mol Sci
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
China
Country of publication:
Switzerland