TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Dopaminergic Drugs A1 - Freeman, Brian S. A2 - Freeman, Brian S. A2 - Berger, Jeffrey S. PY - 2014 T2 - Anesthesiology Core Review: Part One Basic Exam AB - Dopamine is one of several endogenous catecholamines that serve as neurotransmitters within the central and autonomic (sympathetic) nervous systems. Dopamine is synthesized in neurons of the central nervous system, particularly the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area, and the adrenal medulla. Dopamine is derived from its precursor, l-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA), by the enzyme DOPA decarboxylase. Dopamine then becomes a precursor in the synthesis of norepinephrine and epinephrine, two very important catecholamines. It does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Endogenous dopamine has a half-life of one minute. It is rapidly metabolized into inactive metabolites by the enzymes monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-o-methyl transferase (COMT). Homovanillic acid, the primary metabolite, is excreted into the urine. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/04/25 UR - accessanesthesiology.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1102570019 ER -