- Set of dopaminergic axons from the midbrain (specifically the substantia nigra) to the basal ganglia (striatum) 
- Has a crucial role in motor control 
- Significant loss of dopamine neurons in this pathway produces movement problems in Parkinson’s disease 

Mesostriatal Dopamine Pathway

- Set of dopaminergic axons from the midbrain (VTA) to the limbic
system and cortex 
- Important in reward and reinforcement, especially via the dopamine 2 (D2) receptor - Abnormalities in this pathway are associated with some symptoms of schizophrenia

Mesolimbocortical Dopamine Pathway

Dopamine Brain Pathways

- Monoamine transmitter
- Subtypes of dopamine (DA) include D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 (numbered in the order of their discovery)
- Found in the midbrain and basal forebrain
- Two main dopaminergic neuron pathways include the mesostriatal
pathway and the mesolimbocortical pathway

Rutgers University

- Class of monoamines derived from the amino acid tyrosine
- Contains a six-sided catechol ring in the structure  
- Includes Dopamine, Epinephrine, and Norepinephrine

Catecholamine Neurotransmitters 

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

Dopamine Neurotransmitter 

- Also known as noradrenaline
- Norepinephrine (NE) producing cells are said to be noradrenergic (from noradrenaline)
- Sympathetic fibers are also noradrenergic
- Found mostly in the locus coeruleus (Pons) and lateral tegmental area (midbrain)
- CNS contains α1, α2, β1, and β2 subtype receptors (all metabotropic receptors)
- Contributes to mood, overall arousal and sexual behavior 

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