D3 receptor expression within the basal ganglia is not affected by Parkinson's disease

Quantitative receptor autoradiography and in situ hybridization were used to investigate the expression of dopamine D3 receptors in sections of human brain containing limbic (nucleus accumbens) and striatal (caudate nucleus, putamen) regions. High levels of dopamine D3 receptor mRNA and specific [3H](+/-)7-hydroxy-N,N-di-N-propyl-2-aminotetralin ([3H]7-OH-DPAT) binding sites were detected in the nucleus accumbens with lower levels in the caudate nucleus and putamen. No difference in D3 receptor expression was observed between normal and parkinsonian brain. These results indicate that D3 receptor expression is not altered in Parkinson's disease. In addition, they suggest that dopamine release in striatal and limbic areas is not necessary for maintenance of D3 receptor expression.