MOLECULE

Dopamine

Dopamine, also known as 3-hydroxytyramine or deoxyepinephrine, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as catecholamines and derivatives. Catecholamines and derivatives are compounds containing 4-(2-Aminoethyl)pyrocatechol [4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol] or a derivative thereof formed by substitution. Dopamine is a drug which is used for the correction of hemodynamic imbalances present in the shock syndrome due to myocardial infarction, trauma, endotoxic septicemia, open-heart surgery, renal failure, and chronic cardiac decompensation as in congestive failure. Dopamine is a very strong basic compound (based on its pKa). Dopamine exists in all living organisms, ranging from bacteria to humans. Within humans, dopamine participates in a number of enzymatic reactions. In particular, dopamine can be biosynthesized from tyramine; which is catalyzed by the enzyme tyrosinase. In addition, dopamine and ascorbic acid can be converted into norepinephrine and dehydroascorbic acid; which is mediated by the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase. Catechol in which the hydrogen at position 4 is substituted by a 2-aminoethyl group. In humans, dopamine is involved in disulfiram action pathway. Outside of the human body, Dopamine is found, on average, in the highest concentration within a few different foods, such as swiss chards, oats, and red beetroots and in a lower concentration in green zucchinis, broccoli, and yellow bell peppers. Dopamine has also been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as potato, banana, avocado, eggplants, and custard apples. This could make dopamine a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. Dopamine is a potentially toxic compound. Dopamine, with regard to humans, has been found to be associated with several diseases such as bacterial meningitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, cerebral infarction, and schizophrenia; dopamine has also been linked to the inborn metabolic disorder aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency. Dopamine is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.