Contribution of Glutamatergic and GABAergic Mechanisms to the Plasticity-Modulating Effects of Dopamine in the Human Motor Cortex.

ABSTRACT: Dopamine, a key neuromodulator in the central nervous system, regulates cortical excitability and plasticity by interacting with glutamate and GABA receptors, which are affected by dopamine receptor subtypes (D1- and D2-like). Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques can induce plasticity and monitor cortical facilitation and inhibition in humans. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study, we investigated how dopamine and D1- and D2-like receptors impact transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)-induced plasticity concerning glutamatergic and GABAergic mechanisms. Eighteen healthy volunteers received 1 mA anodal (13 min) and cathodal tDCS (9 min) over the left motor cortex combined with the dopaminergic agents l-dopa (general dopamine activation), bromocriptine (D2-li

SUBMITTER: Ghanavati E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11822652 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature