Dopamine receptor functions: lessons from knockout mice [corrected]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Dopaminergic (DAergic) transmission is crucial for various brain functions.
• Gene targeting in mice has enabled the study of specific molecules in DAergic pathways.
• Previous research has generated mice deficient in dopamine, its transporter, and DA receptors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review studies utilizing DA receptor knockout mice and related signaling-deficient models.
• To compare locomotor phenotypes and psychostimulant responses in these mutant mice.
• To discuss the physiological relevance of DA receptor interactions and heteromeric assemblies.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of existing literature on gene-targeted mice with deficiencies in DAergic transmission.
• Comparison of behavioral data (locomotion, drug responses) from various knockout models.
• Review of anatomical and neurochemical studies of the striatum in mutant mice.

Main Results:

• Characterization of mice deficient in dopamine, the dopamine transporter, and all five dopamine receptor subtypes.
• Detailed comparison of locomotor activity and responses to psychostimulants across different knockout models.
• Insights into the morphological and neurochemical differentiation of the striatum in DAergic mutant mice.

Conclusions:

• Dopamine receptor knockout mice are valuable tools for understanding DAergic neurotransmission.
• These models illuminate the roles of specific DA receptors in behavior and drug responses.
• The study highlights the significance of receptor-receptor interactions and heteromeric receptor complexes in vivo.