dopamine

March 2, 2023

Sex counts in the brain as seasons change

Photoperiod, or length of day, has sex-specific impacts on dopamine dynamics in the brain, offering insights into sex differences in neuropsychiatric disorders, Vanderbilt researchers report.

By Paul Govern
July 24, 2019

Defective transporter linked to autism

A first-of-its-kind mouse model may help reveal mechanistic underpinnings for the altered behaviors of autism spectrum disorder.

By Bill Snyder
October 1, 2018

Cytokine-cognition connection

Targeting the immune system may provide a new avenue for therapeutic intervention in psychiatric diseases characterized by motivational and cognitive deficits.

By Laura Daniel
October 27, 2017

Impulsivity in Parkinson’s Disease

A noninvasive MRI technique may help predict a troubling side effect of common medications for Parkinson’s Disease and improve clinical treatment plans.

By Allyson Mallya
July 9, 2015

Signals of schizophrenia

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a possible molecular mechanism of schizophrenia that could lead to new treatments for the disorder.

By VUMC News and Communications
puzzel pieces, autism
January 29, 2015

Altered dopamine signaling may offer a clue to autism

Newly discovered genetic variations linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) disrupt the function of the dopamine transporter, suggesting that altered dopamine signaling contributes to this common developmental condition, according to a Vanderbilt University-led research team.

By Bill Snyder
January 23, 2015

New view of dopamine heteromers

Although heteromeric dopamine receptors composed of both D1 and D2 subunits have been proposed to play a role in depression and schizophrenia, recent studies suggest these heteromers do not exist.
By VUMC News and Communications
October 23, 2014

‘Darting’ mice may hold clues to ADHD, autism and bipolar disorder

The transgenic mouse, into which was inserted a rare human genetic variation in the dopamine transporter, could lead to improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of these all-too-common brain disorders.
By Bill Snyder
April 29, 2013

Fava beans’ impact on urine sodium

Eating fava beans increases dopamine in blood and urine, but does not stimulate urinary sodium excretion.
By Leigh MacMillan
October 18, 2012

Nobel in Chemistry reveals VU ties that bind

Several Vanderbilt researchers have collaborated with this year's Nobel Chemistry winners.
By Bill Snyder
May 15, 2012

New clue to ADHD

A rare genetic change adds support to the idea that altered dopamine signaling is a key risk factor for ADHD.
By Bill Snyder
March 17, 2011

Smell test tells disorders apart

Patients with certain autonomic nervous system disorders have impaired odor identification, which could aid in diagnosis.
By Leigh MacMillan