Dopamine type 2 receptor expression and function in rodent sensory neurons projecting to the airways

Agonists of the dopamine receptors have been demonstrated to have bronchodilatory properties in pathologically constricted airways. The mechanism by which these agonists induce bronchodilatation is thought to involve airway sensory nerves. In this study, the expression and function of dopamine D(2) receptor were examined in sensory ganglia supplying the airways. Neuronal dopamine D(2) receptor mRNA expression was demonstrated by single-cell RT-PCR following laser-assisted microdissection. The projection of the neurons to the airways was confirmed by retrograde neuronal labeling. In functional studies, dopamine D(2) receptor agonists (AR-C65116AB and ropinirole) inhibited intraneuronal calcium mobilization in rat capsaicin-sensitive primary sensory neurons and capsaicin-induced plasma extravasation in the rat trachea. Our results provide support to the hypothesis that dopamine D(2) receptor activation inhibits neurogenic inflammation and proinflammatory reflex responses.