Sensor Traces Dopamine Released by Single Cells

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Article Citation and Link:

MIT “Sensor Traces Dopamine Released by Single Cells.” NeuroscienceNews.
             NeuroscienceNews, 7 February 2017.
            <http://neurosciencenews.com/dopamine-sensor-neuroscience-6075/>.

Krystal Topper
February 9, 2017
PSYC 465 8 AM

                                    Sensor Traces Dopamine Released by Single Cells

            Neuroscientists from MIT have recently developed a sensor that allows the ability to detect single cell’s secreting dopamine. Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter that carries messages that involves the reward-motivated behavior. Because they have developed these tiny sensors, it allows the researchers to monitor the dopamine secretions as they are released from the single neurons. Dopamine is a special type of neurotransmitter due to that fact that it can extend farther than the original target cell.
Instead, dopamine can diffuse away and affect other cells nearby. The sensor mentioned before are carbon nanotube, which means that they are coated with a DNA sequence and makes them interact with dopamine. When the dopamine is released, it binds to the carbon nanotube and allows it to illuminate brightly for the researchers to see. Discovering where dopamine is released will help other researchers, scientists, and doctors better treat patients and overall have a better understanding of how the neurotransmitter works in the brain.
            When being taught psychology in high school or lower level psychology classes in college, we often get the bare minimum amount of information. We do not learn the minor details and in depth information about certain topics. For the most part, people are aware of what dopamine does, but before reading this article; I did not have a clue where they actually came from. Understanding that dopamine comes from single cell neurons will help further medical fields with prescribing medicine to patients. Some people may not see the value of knowing where dopamine comes from, but after learning that dopamine can affect other cells around it, can be crucial information. When prescribing people medicine, especially since dopamine can affect other cells, it is important to know where it is being released to be able to look to see the other cells that may be affected. I question whether now knowing now that the dopamine is released by single cell neurons, will affect the way medicine for people with depression or other disorders. For example, will there be different medicines created now in order not to affect nearby cells, or will there be lower dosages?

Comments

  1. Braquelle HortonFebruary 16, 2017 at 1:35 PM

    I think that as science progresses and learns more about how dopamine impacts other parts of the brain, less medications may be prescribed to mentally ill patients. the article states that dopamine is a neurotransmitter that aids in learning, memory, and feelings of reward, which ultimately reinforce positivity. If doctors can figure our a way to control these cells and to manage the amount of dopamine released, it could change the mental health industry. What if instead of prescribing certain medications, we can find a way for the body to secret dopamine more regularly?

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