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[Biochemistry](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/) · Molecule

# Dopamine

Dopamine is a catecholamine neurotransmitter for movement, reward and prolactin control, and the precursor of norepinephrine.

Updated 2026-11-01

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## Key facts

- Made from L-DOPA by aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (B6).
- Main pathways: nigrostriatal (movement), mesolimbic (reward), tuberoinfundibular (inhibits prolactin).
- Dopamine β-hydroxylase (copper, vitamin C) turns it into norepinephrine inside vesicles.
- MAO and COMT break it down to homovanillic acid (HVA).

**Formula**
C₈H₁₁NO₂

**PubChem**
[CID 681](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/681)

## Structure

- A catechol ring with a two-carbon ethylamine side chain (no carboxyl, unlike L-DOPA).

## Clinical notes

- Loss of nigrostriatal dopamine causes the motor signs of Parkinson disease.
- Dopamine-blocking antipsychotics can cause parkinsonism and raise prolactin.
- Given intravenously it acts on dopamine, β₁ and α₁ receptors depending on the dose and is used in shock.

## Pathways

- [Catecholamine synthesis and breakdown](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/pathways/catecholamine-synthesis-and-breakdown/)

## Related conditions

- [Parkinson disease](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/parkinson-disease/)
- [Phaeochromocytoma](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/phaeochromocytoma/)
- [Pituitary adenoma](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/pituitary-adenoma/)

## Related

- [L-DOPA (levodopa)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/l-dopa/)
- [Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/norepinephrine/)
- [Tyrosine hydroxylase](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/enzymes/tyrosine-hydroxylase/)
- [Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/vitamin-c/)
- [Copper](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/topics/copper/)

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which enzyme converts dopamine to norepinephrine, and what does it need?

Dopamine β-hydroxylase, which needs copper, vitamin C and O₂.

## Why do dopamine-blocking drugs raise prolactin?

Hypothalamic dopamine normally inhibits prolactin release from the pituitary; blocking its receptors removes that brake.

## What is the main breakdown product of dopamine?

Homovanillic acid (HVA), made by MAO and COMT.

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Molecules are shown in their neutral form, as the databases deposit them; in the cell the acids and phosphates are ionised.

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [Dopamine (CID 681)](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/681) (PubChem, NCBI, 2026) · Public domain; [Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency: MedlinePlus Genetics](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/aromatic-l-amino-acid-decarboxylase-deficiency/) (MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, 2026); Textbook of Biochemistry for Medical Students, 6th ed. (Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (Vasudevan DM, Sreekumari S, Vaidyanathan K), 2011).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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