| 1. | Biochemistry. a catecholamine neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, retina, and sympathetic ganglia, acting within the brain to help regulate movement and emotion: its depletion may cause Parkinson's disease. Compare dopa. |
| 2. | Pharmacology. a dopamine preparation used to increase the force of contraction of the heart in the treatment of shock. |
dopamine do·pa·mine (dō'pə-mēn')
n.
A monoamine neurotransmitter formed in the brain by the decarboxylation of dopa and essential to the normal functioning of the central nervous system. A reduction in its concentration within the brain is associated with Parkinson's disease. Also called 3-hydroxytyramine.
| dopamine (dō'pə-mēn') Pronunciation Key
A monoamine neurotransmitter that is formed during the synthesis of norepinephrine and is essential to the normal functioning of the central nervous system. A reduction of dopamine in the brain is associated with the development of Parkinson's disease. Chemical formula: C8H11NO2. |