Mechanisms and functions of dendritic dopamine release in the brain

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Neurons in the brain that use the chemical messenger dopamine (DA) play a key role in the control of movement, motivated behaviors and cognition. At present, we know very little about the basic mechanisms that control DA release in the brain. Although DA release from the neurons' nerve endings (axon terminals) is well characterized and known to occur through a form of regulated exocytosis, DA is also released from the cell body and dendrites of DA neurons (STD DA release) and very little is presently known about how this occurs and what roles it plays in brain function. This integrated research program may lead to a better understanding of the role of DA neurons in movement, motivation and cognition. It will also identify a mechanism that is likely to be relevant to explain the dendritic release of other chemical messengers of the brain such as serotonin and neuropeptides. The reason we know so little about the roles of STD DA release is mainly because at the present time, there is no way to selectively block or enhance STD DA release to examine the functional and behavioral consequences.