Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Comprehensive Profiling of Dopamine Regulation in Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area
Published on: August 10, 2012
Dimerization of dopamine D1 and D3 receptors in the regulation of striatal function
Chiara Fiorentini1, Chiara Busi, PierFranco Spano
1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
Abstract:
Co-localization of dopamine D1 (D1R) and D3 receptors (D3R) in specific neuronal populations in the striatum and nucleus accumbens suggests that their cross-talk in the regulation of rewarding mechanisms and emotional and cognitive processes and in the development of motor dysfunctions might involve direct interactions. This paper summarizes recent data showing that D1R and D3R form a receptor heteromer in the striatum. A unique characteristic of this receptor complex is a synergistic interaction by which D3R stimulation increases D1R agonist affinity, allows a stronger stimulatory coupling of the D1R to the cAMP system and potentiates D1R-mediated behaviour. The putative role of the D1R-D3R heteromer in the development of motor dysfunctions is also discussed.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Neural Regulation
The Two-State Receptor Model
The binding affinity of a drug determines its interaction with one...

