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Selective loss of pallidal dopamine D2 receptor density in hepatic encephalopathy
D D Mousseau1, P Perney, G P Layrargues
1Neuroscience Research Unit, Hôpital St-Luc, University of Montreal, Que., Canada.
Abstract:
The binding parameters of [3H]SCH 23390 and [3H]spiperone (radioligands for dopamine D1 and D2 receptors, respectively) were investigated in autopsied frontal cortex, caudate nucleus and globus pallidus/putamen of cirrhotic patients who died in hepatic coma as well as in age- and sex-matched controls. Specific [3H]SCH 23390 binding site densities were unchanged in all regions; in contrast, specific [3H]spiperone binding site density was decreased (by 44%, P < 0.001) in the globus pallidus/putamen of patients with HE. Decreased densities of pallidal D2 binding sites could relate to the motor dysfunctions commonly encountered in human HE.