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Dopamine Response

Meaning

The Dopamine Response is the comprehensive physiological and behavioral reaction mediated by the neurotransmitter dopamine, a critical catecholamine primarily involved in the brain’s reward, motivation, pleasure, and motor control systems. This response encompasses the rapid release of dopamine from presynaptic neurons, its subsequent binding to specific postsynaptic receptors, and the resulting alteration in target neuronal activity. It is a central mechanism underlying reinforcement learning, addictive behaviors, and executive function.