Dopamine-CNS pathways and neurophysiology

The dopamine (DA) systems of the brain are an important neuromodulator system that have drawn the attention of investigators due to their known role in a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Unlike other monoamine neurotransmitters, these extensively collateralized systems exhibit discreet projections, enabling them to independently coordinate cognitive, affective, and motor aspects of behavior. The DA neurons themselves are subject to extensive and complex regulation. In this article, we review the principal electrophysiological characteristics of DA neurons, as well as the intrinsic and extrinsic regulation of their activity and firing patterns.