dopaminergic
adj. responding to, releasing, or otherwise involving dopamine. For example, a dopaminergic neuron is any neuron in the brain or other parts of the central nervous system for which dopamine serves as the principal neurotransmitter. Four major tracts (called dopaminergic pathways) of dopamine-containing neurons are classically described: the mesocortical pathway (see mesocortical system), damage to which is associated with depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; the mesolimbic system, in which excess dopamine activity is hypothesized to be associated with positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia; the nigrostriatal tract, which is involved in motor functions and Parkinson’s disease; and the tuberoinfundibular tract, a local circuit from the hypothalamus to the pituitary that is involved in the regulation of the pituitary hormone prolactin.