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Antischizophrenic drugs: chronic treatment elevates dopamine receptor binding in brain
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|April 15, 1977
Summary
Chronic neuroleptic drug treatment increases striatal dopamine receptors in rats. This may explain behavioral changes and tardive dyskinesia in patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Neuroleptic drugs, including haloperidol, fluphenazine, and reserpine, are commonly used to treat psychiatric disorders.
- Chronic administration of these drugs has been associated with neurological side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of chronic neuroleptic treatment on striatal dopamine receptor binding in rats.
- To explore the potential link between receptor changes and observed behavioral effects.
Main Methods:
- Rats were chronically treated with haloperidol, fluphenazine, or reserpine.
- Striatal dopamine receptor binding was quantified using [3H]haloperidol.
- Behavioral supersensitivity to dopamine receptor stimulants was assessed.
Main Results:
- Chronic neuroleptic treatment resulted in a 20-25% increase in striatal dopamine receptor binding.
- This increase in receptor sites correlated with behavioral supersensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Chronic neuroleptic drug administration upregulates striatal dopamine receptors.
- This upregulation may underlie behavioral supersensitivity and tardive dyskinesia in patients.