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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Primary Culture of Mouse Dopaminergic Neurons

Primary Culture of Mouse Dopaminergic Neurons

Published on: September 8, 2014

Dopamine neuron systems in the brain: an update.

Anders Björklund¹, Stephen B Dunnett

¹Neurobiology Unit, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund SE-22184, Sweden. anders.bjorklund@med.lu.se

Trends in Neurosciences

|April 6, 2007

Summary

This review details the nine dopamine neuronal cell groups in the mammalian brain. It covers their neurochemical diversity, cellular properties, and how they adapt to changing functional demands and aging.

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Environmental Modulations of the Number of Midbrain Dopamine Neurons in Adult Mice

Environmental Modulations of the Number of Midbrain Dopamine Neurons in Adult Mice

Published on: January 20, 2015

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Last Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Primary Culture of Mouse Dopaminergic Neurons

Primary Culture of Mouse Dopaminergic Neurons

Published on: September 8, 2014

Environmental Modulations of the Number of Midbrain Dopamine Neurons in Adult Mice

Environmental Modulations of the Number of Midbrain Dopamine Neurons in Adult Mice

Published on: January 20, 2015

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Neuroanatomy

Background:

Classical histofluorescence techniques mapped catecholamine systems in the 1960s-1970s.
Modern immunohistochemistry and tract-tracing have refined brain neurotransmitter system mapping.
The dopamine system is among the most comprehensively understood in the brain.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current knowledge of dopamine-containing neuronal systems in mammals.
To summarize the diversity and neurochemical characteristics of nine dopamine cell groups.
To explore their cellular properties and adaptive regulation of dopaminergic machinery.

Main Methods:

Review of established histofluorescence techniques.
Analysis of data from immunohistochemical methods.
Synthesis of findings from sensitive tract-tracing studies.

Main Results:

Detailed mapping of dopamine neuronal systems and axonal projections.
Identification of nine distinct dopamine-containing neuronal cell groups.
Understanding of their unique cellular properties and neurochemical features.

Conclusions:

The dopamine system is exceptionally well-characterized in the mammalian brain.
Dopamine neurons exhibit diversity in cell groups and neurochemical profiles.
These systems dynamically regulate dopaminergic function in response to aging and functional shifts.