Dopaminergic impact on neuroplasticity in humans: the importance of balance

Objective: Dopamine is involved in cognitive mechanisms. In humans and animals, dopamine improves learning and memory formation. The neurophysiological foundation for this beneficial effect might be a focusing effect of dopamine, and thus an improvement of neuroplasticity, as shown in animal experiments. Knowledge about the effects of dopamine on neuroplasticity in humans is scarce. In line with the focusing hypothesis medication with l-dopa consolidates focal, excitability-enhancing plasticity in humans, while suppressing non-focal excitability-enhancing and strengthening inhibitory plasticity. D2-agonism only…