Minireview. Evidence that dopamine is a neurotransmitter in peripheral tissues.
In the CNS, dopamine (DA) is a recognized neurotransmitter as well as a precursor for norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EPI). In contrast to the CNS, DA has been assumed to be only a precursor in peripheral tissues. There is now, however, considerable evidence to support the hypothesis that it may function as a neurotransmitter and/or cotransmitter in peripheral tissues in addition to being a precursor. In this minireview we summarize evidence supporting the view that DA plays a role of its own in peripheral neurotransmission.
D000818:Animals; D004298:Dopamine / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005728:Ganglia, Sympathetic / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000378:metabolism; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D013152:Splanchnic Circulation; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine; D004298:Dopamine; D009638:Norepinephrine