dopaminergic neuron

Introduction

Neurons using dopamine as a neurotransmitter are abundant in the mesencephalon of humans. These include neurons of the substantia nigra, other CNS nuclei & scattered nuclei.

Dopaminergic neuron-containing regions/nuclei in the human mesencephalon include:

• substantia nigra
• paranigral nucleus
• ventrolateral aspect of periaqueductal gray matter
• interfascicular nucleus
• caudal linear nucleus
• rostral linear nucleus (ventral to oculomotor nucleus)
• parabrachial pigmented nucleus

More general terms

• catecholaminergic neuron

Additional terms

• dopamine (Inotropin, Dopastat)
• dopamine receptor
• mesolimbic system
• substantia nigra (nucleus niger, Soemmerring's ganglion)