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Dopaminergic 3H-agonist receptors in rat brain: new evidence on localization and pharmacology

Journal Article · · Life Sci.; (United States)

Recent methodological advances have allowed the reliable assay of specific dopaminergic 3H-agonist binding sites in rat striatum. Lesions of dopamine(DA) terminals or drugs which deplete DA levels prevent the preincubation-induced increase in binding, and this effect is completely reversible by preincubation with added DA. It is concluded that the evidence supporting the existence of presynaptic D-3 sites is artefactual and that 3H-DA binding sites are more likely related to post-synaptic receptors. 3H-DA binding involves two sites, one of which has pharmacologic properties similar to D-1 receptors, whereas the other resembles D-2 receptors. The affinity of 15 antipsychotic drugs for 3H-haloperidol binding sites was highly correlated (R = 0.94) with their inhibitory potency at a subset of 3H-DA binding sites. However, the inhibition of 3H-DA binding by antipsychotic drugs was noncompetitive. These findings can be explained by an allosteric model, whereby antagonists bind to a site different from but allosterically linked to a high-affinity 3H-DA binding site.

Research Organization:
Pfizer Central Research, Groton, CT
OSTI ID:
6354722
Journal Information:
Life Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Life Sci.; (United States) Vol. 34:4; ISSN LIFSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English