Dopamine: At the heart of neuropharmacology

The Trudeau laboratory focuses its attention on a population of cells in the brain that are amongst the most fascinating in the central nervous system: the neurons that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. These neurons play a key role in a number of normal brain functions. They are also the target of many drugs of abuse including cocaine and amphetamine. They are also implicated in the physiopathological mechanisms of diseases such as Parkinson's, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorders and Huntington’s disease. In addition, some of the world’s most prescribed drugs, including antipsychotics and psychostimulants have as a primary target this neurotransmitter or its receptors. Within this context, the Trudeau team is interested in understanding the multiple regulatory mechanisms that control the functions of these neurons in the brain, as well as their ability to release dopamine and other chemical messengers. The lab pays special attention to the function of the dopamine receptors as well as the basic properties of the axon terminals and dendrites of these neurons. It is presently trying to understand how the functions of dopamine neurons are perturbed in Parkinson's disease. The work of the Trudeau lab is contributing to the discovery of new fundamental knowledge about dopamine-producing neurons. It is the hope of the Trudeau lab that one day its discoveries will contribute to the development of new strategies to treat the various diseases that implicate this particularly challenging neuronal population.

Source:  http://www.mapageweb.umontreal.ca/trudeal/english/indexA.html