How Do Dopamine Receptors Affect Neurological Disorders?
In Parkinson's disease, there is a loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor symptoms such as tremors and rigidity. Medications like Levodopa aim to increase dopamine levels to alleviate these symptoms.
In schizophrenia, hyperactivity of dopamine transmission, particularly involving D2 receptors, is thought to contribute to the disorder's positive symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. Antipsychotic medications, which often block D2 receptors, are used to manage these symptoms.
