Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes such as motivation, reward, and pleasure. Researchers use stable isotopes of dopamine to study its metabolism and dynamics in the brain. These isotopes allow for non-invasive analysis of dopamine levels and turnover rates, providing insights into various neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and addiction. The use of stable isotopes in dopamine research has opened up new avenues for understanding the complex mechanisms underlying brain function.