Presynaptic receptors of central catecholamine neurones

The article summarizes recent investigations on presynaptic alpha-adrenoceptors, opiate receptors and GABA receptors of central noradrenaline neurones, and on presynaptic dopamine receptors, opiate receptors and GABA receptors of central dopamine neurones. Pharmacological properties of the receptors, their location, and the steps linking receptor activation to changes in catecholamine release are discussed. In spite of a proliferation of research, there are large gaps in our knowledge of, in particular, GABA receptors and catecholamine release as well as opiate receptors and dopamine release.