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Dopamine D3 receptor antagonists as therapeutic agents
Jeffrey N Joyce1, Mark J Millan
1T.H. Christopher Center for Parkinson's Disease, Sun Health Research Institute, 10515 West Santa Fe Drive, Sun City, 85351, USA. Jeff.Joyce@sunhealth.org
Drug Discovery Today
|July 5, 2005
Summary
Dopamine D(3) receptor antagonists show promise for treating schizophrenia, particularly negative and cognitive symptoms. They may also help in managing drug abuse by targeting behavioral sensitization.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The dopamine D(3) receptor's distinct role from the D(2) receptor was established through anatomical, lesion, and drug studies post-cloning.
- Evidence suggests D(3) receptor antagonists could be effective antipsychotic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the therapeutic potential of dopamine D(3) receptor antagonists.
- To investigate the involvement of D(3) receptors in schizophrenia symptoms and drug abuse.
Main Methods:
- Anatomical studies
- Lesion studies
- Drug treatment studies
Main Results:
- Dopamine D(3) receptor functions differ from D(2) receptors.
- D(3) receptor antagonists show potential for ameliorating negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia.
- D(3) receptors are implicated in behavioral sensitization, suggesting a role in drug abuse.
Conclusions:
- Dopamine D(3) receptor antagonists represent a promising therapeutic strategy for schizophrenia.
- Further research into D(3) receptor antagonists for treating drug abuse is warranted.