Reduced presynaptic dopamine receptor density after chronic antidepressant treatment in rats

Chronic administration of desipramine and nomifensine to rats reduced the number of presynaptic dopamine receptors as labeled by 3H-dopamine in rat striatal tissues, with no change in receptor affinity. This change can only be brought about by continuous daily treatment with antidepressants for a duration of at least 21 days or longer. All antidepressants did not displace 3H-spiperone or 3H-dopamine at low concentrations in vitro, suggesting that the agents may not act on the dopamine receptors directly. A possible interaction between neurotransmitters in the central nervous system for the overall therapeutic effect of antidepressant drugs was proposed.