neuromelanin

noun

neu·​ro·​mel·​a·​nin ˌnu̇r-ō-ˈme-lə-nən 

ˌnyu̇r-

plural neuromelanins

: a dark melanin pigment found especially in some dopaminergic neurons of the human substantia nigra

Substantia nigra means, literally, "black substance"; researchers now understand that these cells gain their dark coloration from the oxidation of dopamine to form the black pigment neuromelanin.

—C. Warren Olanow and Ted L. Rothstein

compare eumelanin, pheomelanin

Word History

Etymology

neuro- + melanin

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

neuromelanin

noun

neu·​ro·​mel·​a·​nin -ˈmel-ə-nən 

: a dark melanin pigment found especially in some dopaminergic neurons of the human substantia nigra

… in the brain, tyrosine is converted into dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which in turn gives rise to neuromelanin.

—Christopher Wills, Discover

Substantia nigra means, literally, "black substance"; researchers now understand that these cells gain their dark coloration from the oxidation of dopamine to form the black pigment neuromelanin.

—C. Warren Olanow and Ted L. Rothstein, American Scientist