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Dopamine (DA, a contraction of 3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine) is a Neurotransmitter that plays several important roles in the brain and body. It is an organic chemical of the catecholamine and phenethylamine families. Dopamine constitutes about 80% of the catecholamine content in the brain. It is an amine synthesized by removing a carboxyl group from a molecule of its precursor chemical, L-DOPA, which is synthesized in the Brain and Kidneys. Dopamine is also synthesized in plants and most animals. The anticipation of most types of rewards increases the level of dopamine in the brain, and many addictive drugs increase dopamine release or block its reuptake into neurons following release.[from Wikipedia]
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