Scientists at the University of Washington have discovered molecules that regulate the release of dopamine in the brain. The discovery will improve the treatment of drug addiction, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. Research published in the journal Science Advances.
Dopamine is a hormone involved in the transmission of nerve signals. It is central to motivation, attachment, and control of movement. In the brain, dopamine can be released in two different ways: gradually in small amounts or in rapid and large amounts. Two modes that allow the body to perform certain functions are activated in different conditions.
The scientists hypothesized that dopamine release patterns are regulated by the Kv4.3 and BKCa1.1 ion channels. These large molecules form pores through which ions can pass through the cell membrane. Biologists turned off the genes responsible for the formation of ion channels to see if dopamine release patterns and animal behavior would change.
Turning off the slow-release dopamine channel resulted in increased motivation in the mice. In this case, the animals were more motivated to try again after learning the task and completed the test faster.
When the researchers removed the channel that controls the rapid release of dopamine, dopamine release increased in response to certain events, causing the animals to learn much faster.
Researchers hope that drugs targeting these ion channels may improve the treatment of diseases associated with impaired dopamine release and accompanied by a loss or increase in motivation. These include drug addiction, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder.
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