Alterations in dopamine (DA) content has been suggested as the primary factor that is responsible for Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia and addictive behaviours. The design of rational pharmacological therapies for these syndromes hinges upon knowing of the regulation of the levels of DA. The basal ganglia, and especially the nigrostriatal system, have been a key focus for our research. The concentration of extracellular DA depends of its synthesis, release, reuptake and degradation. In this paper, we review experimental evidence for a significative decrease of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity by oxidative damage. Likewise, the importance of the DA transporter which might be involved in the control of the TH expression. Similarly, DA uptake and metabolism were also involved in the control of extracellular DA. Moreover, DA D₂ autoreceptors at the level of substantia nigra and striatum were studied by microdialysis, suggesting the involvement of them in the fine control of terminal DA release. A point worth considering is the use of DA uptake inhibitors in parkinsonian’s patients and in advanced age.