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Pre-clinical studies suggest that extracts prepared from the fruits of Vitex agnus castus (VAC) interact with dopamine D2 receptors, leading to reduced prolactin secretion. In previous experiments, dopaminergic activity was mostly evaluated using radioligand binding assays or via the inhibition of prolactin release from rat pituitary cells. Diterpenes featuring a clerodadienol scaffold were identified as major active compounds, but no conclusive data regarding their potency and intrinsic activity are available. Utilising advances in chromatography, we re-examined this topic using HPLC-based tracking of bioactivity via microfractionation of the VAC extract Ze 440. Using a cAMP-based assay, we measured dopaminergic activity in CHO-K1 cells that overexpress the human D2 receptor. Six diterpenes were isolated from two active HPLC microfractions. Viteagnusin I emerged as the most potent diterpene (EC50: 6.6 µM), followed by rotundifuran (EC50: 12.8 µM), whereas vitexilactone was inactive (EC50: >50 µM). Interestingly, triterpenes were also identified as active, with 3-epi-maslinic acid being the most active compound (EC50: 5.1 µM). To better understand these interactions at the molecular level, selected diterpenes and triterpenes were analysed through molecular docking against D2 receptor structures. Our data show that the dopaminergic activity of VAC diterpenes seems to depend on the configuration and on ring substitution in the side chain. This study also highlights for the first time the dopaminergic contribution of triterpenes such as 3-epi-maslinic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the intricate role of dopamine D1–D5 receptors is pivotal in addressing the challenges posed by the aging global population, as well as by social stress and advancing therapeutic interventions. Central to diverse brain functions such as movement, cognition, motivation, and reward, dopamine receptors are ubiquitously distributed across various brain nuclei. This comprehensive review explores the nuanced functions of each dopamine receptor, D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5, in distinct brain regions, elucidating the alterations witnessed in several neurological and psychiatric disorders. From the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area, crucial for motor control and reward processing, to the limbic system influencing emotional responses, motivation, and cognitive functions, each brain nucleus reveals a specific involvement of dopamine receptors. In addition, genetic variations in dopamine receptors affect the risk of developing schizophrenia and parkinsonism. The review further investigates the physiological significance and pathogenic impacts of dopamine receptors in critical areas like the prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, and striatum. By unraveling the complexities of dopamine receptor biology, especially those focused on different brain nuclei, this review provides a foundation for understanding their varied roles in health and disease, which is essential for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating the impact of aging and mental health on neurological well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major effort of the pharmaceutical industry has been to identify and market drug treatments that are effective in ameliorating the symptoms of psychotic illness but without the limitations of the current treatments acting at dopamine D2 receptors. These limitations include the induction of a range of adverse effects, the inadequate treatment response of a substantial proportion of people with schizophrenia, and the generally poor response to negative and cognitive features of the disease. Recently introduced drug treatments have gone some way to avoiding the first of these, with a reduced propensity for weight gain, cardiovascular risk and extrapyramidal motor effects. Despite claims of some small improvements in negative symptoms, these drugs have not demonstrated substantial increases in efficacy. Of the drugs currently in development as antipsychotic agents, several are misleadingly described as having novel 'non-dopaminergic' mechanisms that may offer improvements in addressing the limitations of adverse effects and efficacy. It will be argued, using the trace amine-associated receptor 1 agonist as an example, that several of these new drugs still act primarily through modulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission and, in not addressing the primary pathology of schizophrenia, are therefore unlikely to have the much-needed improvements in efficacy required to address the unmet need associated with resistance to current treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alterations in dopaminergic transmission are associated with neurological disorders, such as depression, autism, and Parkinson's disease. Exposure of rats to ambient fine (FP) or ultrafine (UFP) particles induces oxidative and inflammatory responses in the striatum, a neuronal nucleus with dense dopaminergic innervation and critically involved in the control of motor activity.Objectives: We used an ex vivo system to evaluate the effect of in vivo inhalation exposure to FP and UFP on motor activity and dopaminergic transmission.Materials and Methods: Male adult Wistar rats were exposed to FP, UFP, or filtered air for 8 weeks (subchronic exposure; 5 h/day, 5 days/week) in a particle concentrator. Motor activity was evaluated using the open-field test. Uptake and release of [3H]-dopamine were assessed in striatal synaptosomes, and dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) affinity for dopamine was evaluated by the displacement of [3H]-spiperone binding to striatal membranes.Results: Exposure to FP or UFP significantly reduced spontaneous motor activity (ambulatory distance: FP -25%, UFP -32%; ambulatory time: FP -24%, UFP -22%; ambulatory episodes: FP -22%, UFP -30%), decreased [3H]-dopamine uptake (FP -18%, UFP -24%), and increased, although not significantly, [3H]-dopamine release (113.3 ± 16.3 and 138.6 ± 17.3%). Neither FP nor UFP exposure affected D2R density or affinity for dopamine.Conclusions: These results indicate that exposure to ambient particulate matter reduces locomotion in rats, which could be related to altered striatal dopaminergic transmission: UFP was more potent than FP. Our results contribute to the evidence linking environmental factors to changes in brain function that could turn into neurological and psychiatric disorders.HIGHLIGHTSYoung adult rats were exposed to fine (FP) or ultrafine (UFP) particles for 40 days.Exposure to FP or UFP reduced motor activity.Exposure to FP or UFP reduced dopamine uptake by striatal synaptosomes.Neither D2R density or affinity for dopamine was affected by FP or UFP.UFP was more potent than FP to exert the effects reported.

Dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) is expressed in striatopallidal neurons and decreases forskolin‐stimulated cyclic adenine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) release. Dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) mRNA is expressed in a population of striatal D2R‐expressing neurons. Also, D3R protein and binding have been reported in the neuropil of globus pallidus. We explore whether D2R and D3R colocalize in striatopallidal terminals and whether D3R modulates the D2R effect on forskolin‐stimulated [3H]cAMP accumulation in pallidal synaptosomes and high K+ stimulated‐[3H]GABA release in pallidal slices. Previous reports in heterologous systems indicate that calmodulin (CaM) and CaMKII modulate D2R and D3R functions; thus, we study whether this system regulates its functional interaction. D2R immunoprecipitates with CaM, and pretreatment with ophiobolin A or depolarization of synaptosomes with 15 mM of K+ decreases it. Both treatments increase the D2R inhibition of forskolin‐stimulated [3H]cAMP accumulation when activated with quinpirole, indicating a negative modulation of CaM on D2R function. Quinpirole also activates D3R, potentiating D2R inhibition of cAMP accumulation in the ophiobolin A‐treated synaptosomes. D2R and D3R immunoprecipitate in pallidal synaptosomes and decrease after the kainic acid striatal lesion, indicating the striatal origin of the presynaptic receptors. CaM‐kinase II alfa (CaMKIIα) immunoprecipitates with D3R and increases after high K+ depolarization. In the presence of KN62, a CaMKIIα blocker, D3R potentiates D2R effects on cAMP accumulation in depolarized synaptosomes and GABA release in pallidal slices, indicating D3R function regulation by CaMKIIα. Our data indicate that D3R potentiates the D2R effect on cAMP accumulation and GABA release at pallidal terminals, an interaction regulated by the CaM–CaMKIIα system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysregulation of the dopamine (DA) system is a hallmark of substance use disorders, including alcohol use disorder (AUD). Of the DA receptor subtypes, the DA D2 receptors (D2Rs) play a key role in the reinforcing effects of alcohol. D2Rs are expressed in numerous brain regions associated with the regulation of appetitive behaviors. One such region is the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), which has been linked to the development and maintenance of AUD. Recently, we identified alcohol withdrawal-related neuroadaptations in the periaqueductal gray/dorsal raphe to BNST DA circuit in male mice. However, the role of D2R-expressing BNST neurons in voluntary alcohol consumption is not well characterized. In this study, we used a CRISPR-Cas9-based viral approach, to selectively reduce the expression of D2Rs in BNST GABA neurons (BNSTvgat Drd2) and interrogated the impact on alcohol-related behaviors. In male mice, reduced BNSTvgat Drd2 expression potentiated the stimulatory effects of alcohol and increased voluntary consumption of 20% w/v alcohol in a two-bottle choice intermittent access paradigm. This effect was not specific to alcohol, as BNSTvgat Drd2 knockdown also increased sucrose intake in male mice. Interestingly, reduction in BNSTvgat Drd2 expression in female mice did not alter alcohol-related behaviors but lowered the threshold for mechanical pain sensitivity. Collectively, our findings suggest a role for postsynaptic BNST D2Rs in the modulation of sex-specific behavioral responses to alcohol and sucrose.

Halogenated compounds, especially fluorine and chlorine, play a key role in drug development. They account for a large proportion of all approved drug molecules. The importance of these two halogens stems from their remarkable effects on biological activity and pharmacokinetic properties. The study presented here aims to give the results obtained by the DFT methods and in silico medicinal evaluations of a newly synthesized small molecule. The small molecule belongs to the Schiff base class of organic compounds and is substituted with halogen atoms. The tetrahalogenated compound (THSB) Schiff base, 2-(((2,4-dichlorophenyl)imino)methyl)-3,4-difluorophenol, was first synthesized via the classical condensation method and then characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The THSB optimized by the B3LYP method was evaluated in terms of geometrical parameters, surface area (MEP and Hirshfeld analysis) and secondary interaction analysis, NLO properties, and electronic properties (HOMO-LUMO and UV-Vis). Second, THSB was evaluated regarding medicinal chemistry, physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties, and toxicity (ADMET). Then, we comprehensively investigated the potential biological targets of THSB. Using the results of the SwissSimilarity analysis, we investigated the antagonistic effects of THSB against serotonin 5-HT2A and dopamine D2 receptors. Docking results were compared with the known antipsychotics, clozapine and risperidone. THSB showed a higher antagonistic effect than clozapine for the D2 receptor. However, risperidone proved to be the most effective antagonist for both targets. The binding energies of THSB, risperidone, and clozapine were -8.30, -11.84, and -8.07 kcal/mol, respectively, for D2; those of THSB, risperidone, and clozapine were -6.94, -11.47, and -10.10 kcal/mol, respectively, for 5-HT2A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olanzapine is commonly prescribed for the management of schizophrenia and is associated with many adverse effects like weight gain, hyperglycemia, and hyperprolactinemia, which may increase the risk of other diseases like diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Genetic polymorphism of the D2 receptor may be responsible for the incidence of such adverse effects. This study aimed to assess the role of D2 receptor-141 C Ins/Del (rs1799732) genetic polymorphism and olanzapine-induced adverse effects in Iraqi schizophrenic patients. The case-control study was performed from October 2022 to April 2023 in Al-Hassan Al-Mojtaba Hospital. A total of 100 schizophrenic patients consisting of both genders, aged between 20 and 65 years, were recruited from the Psychiatry Outpatient Department, and 50 apparently healthy without any disease comprising both genders aged 20 to 63 years, served as a control group and were also enrolled in this study. Plasma level of FBS, HbA1c, lipid profile, and prolactin were measured, and genotyping of D2 Receptor-141 C Ins/Del (rs1799732) Polymorphisms was detected using the RFLP method. The heterozygous (Ins/Del) and mutant (Del/Del) alleles of D2 receptor-141 C Ins/Del (rs1799732) was significantly predominated in schizophrenic patient and absent in healthy volunteers. Schizophrenic patients with the deletion allele of D2 receptor-141 C Ins/Del and who were administered olanzapine (rs1799732) exhibited notably higher susceptibility to metabolic adverse effects induced by olanzapine, such as weight gain, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hyperprolactinemia. In conclusion, the genetic polymorphism of D2 receptor-141 C Ins/Del (rs1799732) was significantly associated with olanzapine induce metabolic adverse effects in Iraqi schizophrenic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the role of D2 receptor A-241G (rs1799978) genetic polymorphism and olanzapine response and safety in Iraqi schizophrenic patients. The case-control study composed of 100 schizophrenic patients consisting of both genders were recruited from the Psychiatry Outpatient Department and 50 apparently healthy volunteers, served as a control group. Patient response to olanzapine was evaluated with the aiding of the PANSS and genotyping of D2 receptor A-241G (rs1799978) polymorphisms was detected using the nested PCR method. The heterozygous (AG) and mutant (GG) alleles of D2 receptor A-241G (rs1799978) were significantly predominated in schizophrenic patients and absent in healthy volunteers. Schizophrenic patients with the G allele of D2 receptor A-241G (rs1799978) and who were administered olanzapine exhibited a notable resistance to olanzapine. In conclusion, the genetic polymorphism of D2 receptor A-241G (rs1799978) was significantly associated with resistance to olanzapine in Iraqi schizophrenic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quercetin (QUA), a flavonoid compound, is ubiquitously found in plants and has demonstrated a diverse range of biological activities. The primary objective of the current study is to assess the potential antiemetic properties of QUA using an in vivo and in silico approach. In this experiment, 4-day-old chicks were purchased to induce emesis by orally administering copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O) at a dose of 50 mg/kg (orally). Domperidone (DOM) (6 mg/kg), Hyoscine (HYS) (21 mg/kg), and Ondansetron (OND) (5 mg/kg) were treated as positive controls (PCs), and distilled water and a trace amount of Tween 80 mixture was employed as a negative control (NC). QUA was given orally at two distinct doses (25 and 50 mg/kg). Additionally, QUA (50 mg/kg) and PCs were administered separately or in combination to assess their antagonistic or synergistic effects on the chicks. The binding affinity of QUA and referral ligands towards the serotonin receptor (5HT3), dopamine receptors (D2 and D3), and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M1–M5) were estimated, and ligand–receptor interactions were visualized through various computational tools. In vivo findings indicate that QUA (25 and 50 mg/kg) has a significant effect on reducing the number of retches (16.50 ± 4.65 and 10.00 ± 4.19 times) and increasing the chick latency period (59.25 ± 4.75 and 94.25 ± 4.01 s), respectively. Additionally, QUA (50 mg/kg) in combination with Domperidone and Ondansetron exhibited superior antiemetic effects, reducing the number of retches and increasing the onset of emesis-inducing time. Furthermore, it is worth noting that QUA exhibited the strongest binding affinity against the D2 receptor with a value of −9.7 kcal/mol through the formation of hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds. In summary, the study found that QUA exhibited antiemetic activity in chicks, potentially by interacting with the D2 receptor pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, new pyridine-based imine compounds (8-10) were synthesized and docking studies of these compounds against D2 Dopamine receptor (6CM4) were performed. The structures of these compounds, which were synthesized using the microwave method, were determined by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and elemental analysis techniques. The binding energy values vary range from -6.79 to -7.07 kcal/mol with D2 Dopamine Receptor/PDB: 6MC4. Compound 10 (-7.07 kcal mol-1) showed better binding energy than 9 (-6.95 kcal mol-1) and 8 (-6.79 kcal/mol).

The D2 dopamine receptor (D2R) signals through both G proteins and β-arrestins to regulate important physiological processes, such as movement, reward circuitry, emotion, and cognition. β-arrestins are believed to interact with G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) at the phosphorylated C-terminal tail or intracellular loops. GPCR kinases (GRKs) are the primary drivers of GPCR phosphorylation, and for many receptors, receptor phosphorylation is indispensable for β-arrestin recruitment. However, GRK-mediated receptor phosphorylation is not required for β-arrestin recruitment to the D2R, and the role of GRKs in D2R–β-arrestin interactions remains largely unexplored. In this study, we used GRK knockout cells engineered using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to determine the extent to which β-arrestin recruitment to the D2R is GRK-dependent. Genetic elimination of all GRK expression decreased, but did not eliminate, agonist-stimulated β-arrestin recruitment to the D2R or its subsequent internalization. However, these processes were rescued upon the re-introduction of various GRK isoforms in the cells with GRK2/3 also enhancing dopamine potency. Further, treatment with compound 101, a pharmacological inhibitor of GRK2/3 isoforms, decreased β-arrestin recruitment and receptor internalization, highlighting the importance of this GRK subfamily for D2R–β-arrestin interactions. These results were recapitulated using a phosphorylation-deficient D2R mutant, emphasizing that GRKs can enhance β-arrestin recruitment and activation independently of receptor phosphorylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L-dopa (l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine)-induced dyskinesia (LID) is a debilitating complication of dopamine replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease. The potential contribution of striatal D2 receptor (D2R)-positive neurons and downstream circuits in the pathophysiology of LID remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of striatal D2R+ neurons and downstream globus pallidus externa (GPe) neurons in a rat model of LID. Intrastriatal administration of raclopride, a D2R antagonist, significantly inhibited dyskinetic behavior, while intrastriatal administration of pramipexole, a D2-like receptor agonist, yielded aggravation of dyskinesia in LID rats. Fiber photometry revealed the overinhibition of striatal D2R+ neurons and hyperactivity of downstream GPe neurons during the dyskinetic phase of LID rats. In contrast, the striatal D2R+ neurons showed intermittent synchronized overactivity in the decay phase of dyskinesia. Consistent with the above findings, optogenetic activation of striatal D2R+ neurons or their projections in the GPe was adequate to suppress most of the dyskinetic behaviors of LID rats. Our data demonstrate that the aberrant activity of striatal D2R+ neurons and downstream GPe neurons is a decisive mechanism mediating dyskinetic symptoms in LID rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from the cannabis plant is believed to have a medicinal value due to its neuroprotective effect via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. Recent behavioral studies in rats have reported that CBD mediates serotonin (5-HT1A) receptor action to improve motor dysfunction induced by dopamine (D2) receptor blockade. In particular, its effect on D2 receptor blockade in the striatum is an important function associated with neurological disorders resulting from various extrapyramidal motor dysfunctions. Dopaminergic neurodegeneration associated with this site is known for inducing Parkinson’s disease (PD), which often affects the elderly. It is also known to cause drug-induced Parkinsonism. This study examines the ameliorating effect of CBD, which does not act directly on D2 receptors, against drug-induced motor dysfunction induced by the antipsychotic drug (haloperidol). Methods We created a drug-induced Parkinsonism model in zebrafish larvae using an antipsychotic drug (haloperidol). We evaluated the distance traveled and repetitive light-stimulation response. Furthermore, we examined whether administration of several concentrations of CBD ameliorates symptoms of the Parkinsonism model and compared its effects with those of antiparkinsonian drug ropinirole. Results CBD concentrations equal to half of haloperidol’s resulted in an almost complete reversal of haloperidol-induced motor dysfunction, as measured by the distance traveled by the zebrafish and their response to light-stimulus. While ropinirole also significantly reversed haloperidol’s effects at the same concentration as CBD, CBD was more effective than ropinirole. Conclusions CBD-induced motor dysfunction improvement via D2 receptor blockade is a potential novel mechanism for the treatment of haloperidol-induced motor dysfunction.

Molecular and functional imaging techniques have been used and combined with pharmacological probes to evaluate the role of dopamine in impulsivity. Overall, strong evidence links striatal dopaminergic function with impulsivity, measured by self-reports and laboratory tests of cognitive control and reward-based decision-making. The combination of molecular imaging using positron emission tomography (PET) with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) specifically implicates striatal D2-type dopamine receptors (i.e., D2 and D3) and corticostriatal connectivity in cognitive control. Low levels of striatal and midbrain D2-type receptor availability correlate with self-reported impulsivity, whereas striatal D2-type receptor availability shows positive correlation with motor response inhibition and cognitive flexibility. Impulsive choice on reward-based decision-making tasks also is related to deficits in striatal D2-type dopamine receptor availability, and there is evidence for an inverted U-shaped function in this relationship, reflecting an optimum of striatal dopaminergic activity. Findings from studies of clinical populations that present striatal dopamine D2-type receptor deficits as well as healthy control research participants identify D2-type receptors as therapeutic targets to improve cognitive control.

Cancer patients regularly suffer from the behavioral symptoms of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Particularly, it is involved in Pavlovian conditioning. Lithium chloride (LiCl) was used as the unconditioned stimulus (US) and contingent with the tastant, for example, a saccharin solution (i.e., the conditioned stimulus; CS), resulted in conditioned taste aversion (CTA) to the CS intake. The present study employed an animal model of LiCl-induced CTA to imitate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting symptoms. Recently, the basolateral amygdala (BLA) was shown to mediate LiCl-induced CTA learning; however, which brain mechanisms of the BLA regulate CTA by LiCl remain unknown. The present study was designed to test this issue, and 4% lidocaine or D2 blocker haloperidol were microinjected into BLA between the 0.1% saccharin solution intake and 0.15M LiCl. The results showed lidocaine microinjections into the BLA could attenuate the LiCl-induced CTA. Microinjections of haloperidol blunted the CTA learning by LiCl. Altogether, BLA via the sodium chloride ion channel and D2 receptors control LiCl-induced conditioned saccharin solution intake suppression. The findings can provide some implications and contributions to cancer chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting side effects, and will help to develop novel strategies to prevent the side effects of cancer chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, new pyridine-based imine compounds (8-10) were synthesized and docking studies of these compounds against D2 Dopamine receptor (6CM4) were performed. The structures of these compounds, which were synthesized using the microwave method, were determined by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and elemental analysis techniques. The binding energy values vary range from -6.79 to -7.07 kcal/mol with D2 Dopamine Receptor/PDB: 6MC4. Compound 10 (-7.07 kcal mol-1) showed better binding energy than 9 (-6.95 kcal mol-1) and 8 (-6.79 kcal/mol). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quercetin (QUA), a flavonoid compound, is ubiquitously found in plants and has demonstrated a diverse range of biological activities. The primary objective of the current study is to assess the potential antiemetic properties of QUA using an in vivo and in silico approach. In this experiment, 4-day-old chicks were purchased to induce emesis by orally administering copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O) at a dose of 50 mg/kg (orally). Domperidone (DOM) (6 mg/kg), Hyoscine (HYS) (21 mg/kg), and Ondansetron (OND) (5 mg/kg) were treated as positive controls (PCs), and distilled water and a trace amount of Tween 80 mixture was employed as a negative control (NC). QUA was given orally at two distinct doses (25 and 50 mg/kg). Additionally, QUA (50 mg/kg) and PCs were administered separately or in combination to assess their antagonistic or synergistic effects on the chicks. The binding affinity of QUA and referral ligands towards the serotonin receptor (5HT3), dopamine receptors (D2 and D3), and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M1–M5) were estimated, and ligand–receptor interactions were visualized through various computational tools. In vivo findings indicate that QUA (25 and 50 mg/kg) has a significant effect on reducing the number of retches (16.50 ± 4.65 and 10.00 ± 4.19 times) and increasing the chick latency period (59.25 ± 4.75 and 94.25 ± 4.01 s), respectively. Additionally, QUA (50 mg/kg) in combination with Domperidone and Ondansetron exhibited superior antiemetic effects, reducing the number of retches and increasing the onset of emesis-inducing time. Furthermore, it is worth noting that QUA exhibited the strongest binding affinity against the D2 receptor with a value of −9.7 kcal/mol through the formation of hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds. In summary, the study found that QUA exhibited antiemetic activity in chicks, potentially by interacting with the D2 receptor pathway.

Effect of Pantogam active subchronic administration (200 mg/kg/day, i.p.) on the behavior of outbred CD-1 mice in the experimental model of attention deficit disorder was studied in the "closed enriched cross maze" test. Pantogam active corrected the initial attention deficit of ED-low rodents subpopulation without changing other parameters of their behavior. Analysis of the results of radioligand binding revealed statistically significant differences in the distribution of D2 and GABAB-receptors in the brain structures of outbred CD-1 mice subpopulations. In the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of ED-low control group with reduced attention level, compared with ED-high control, density of D2 receptors was higher by 18 %, while density of GABAB receptors was lower by 35 %. Administration of pantogam active resulted in decreasing of D2 receptors density by 23 % and increasing of this indicator by 42 % for GABAB- receptors in the PFC of ED-low animals, respectively. Thus, this studied drug has potential efficacy in treating attention deficit in experimental animals, normalizes behavior and possible molecular markers of this pathology.

Abstract Dopamine (DA), a monoamine neurotransmitter, is synthesized and released mainly by neurons in the ventral tegmental area and the substantia nigra (SN) pars compacta of the midbrain. DA and its receptors are essential for the regulation of arousal, movement, cognition, reward, and other neurobiological behaviors. Arousal, locomotion, cognition, reward, and other neurobiological functions are all regulated by dopamine and its receptors. Dopamine receptors can be divided into D1‐like receptors (including D1 and D5) or D2‐like receptors (containing D2, D3, and D4), with D1 and D2 receptors (D1Rs, and D2Rs) being the most important. Currently, studies indicated that D1Rs and D2Rs are tightly involved with the process of sleep‐wake and general anesthesia, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. In this review, we compiled the most recent findings, mainly focusing on the structure, distribution, and signal pathway of D1Rs and D2Rs in the central nervous system, as well as the involvement of D1Rs and D2Rs in sleep‐wake and general anesthesia. Thus, the investigations of the D1Rs and D2Rs will benefit not only better knowledge for how sleep‐wake control works but also the mechanism of general anesthesia.

An escalating trend of antipsychotic drug use in children with ADHD, disruptive behavior disorder, or mood disorders has raised concerns about the impact of these drugs on brain development. Since antipsychotics chiefly target dopamine receptors, it is important to assay the function of these receptors after early-life antipsychotic administration. Using rats as a model, we examined the effects of early-life risperidone, the most prescribed antipsychotic drug in children, on locomotor responses to the dopamine D 1 /D 2 receptor agonist, apomorphine, and the D 2 /D 3 receptor agonist, quinpirole. Female and male Long-Evans rats received daily subcutaneous injections of risperidone (1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg) or vehicle from postnatal day 14–42. Locomotor responses to one of three doses (0.03, 0.1, and 0.3 mg/kg) of apomorphine or quinpirole were tested once a week for four weeks beginning on postnatal day 76 and 147 for each respective drug. The locomotor activity elicited by the two lower doses of apomorphine was significantly greater in adult rats, especially females, administered risperidone early in life. Adult rats administered risperidone early in life also showed more locomotor activity after the low dose of quinpirole. Overall, female rats were more sensitive to the locomotor effects of each agonist. In a separate group of rats administered risperidone early in life, autoradiography of forebrain D 2 receptors at postnatal day 62 revealed a modest increase in D 2 receptor density in the medial caudate. These results provide evidence that early-life risperidone administration can produce long-lasting changes in dopamine receptor function and density. • Early-life risperidone enhances locomotor responses to apomorphine in adulthood. • Effects of early-life risperidone on apomorphine are greater in females. • More limited effect of early-life risperidone on locomotor responses to quinpirole. • Locomotor activating effects of apomorphine and quinpirole are greater in females. • Adult rats administered risperidone early in life possess more striatal D 2 receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The D2 dopamine receptor (D2R) signals through both G proteins and β-arrestins to regulate important physiological processes, such as movement, reward circuitry, emotion, and cognition. β-arrestins are believed to interact with G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) at the phosphorylated C-terminal tail or intracellular loops. GPCR kinases (GRKs) are the primary drivers of GPCR phosphorylation, and for many receptors, receptor phosphorylation is indispensable for β-arrestin recruitment. However, GRK-mediated receptor phosphorylation is not required for β-arrestin recruitment to the D2R, and the role of GRKs in D2R–β-arrestin interactions remains largely unexplored. In this study, we used GRK knockout cells engineered using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to determine the extent to which β-arrestin recruitment to the D2R is GRK-dependent. Genetic elimination of all GRK expression decreased, but did not eliminate, agonist-stimulated β-arrestin recruitment to the D2R or its subsequent internalization. However, these processes were rescued upon the re-introduction of various GRK isoforms in the cells with GRK2/3 also enhancing dopamine potency. Further, treatment with compound 101, a pharmacological inhibitor of GRK2/3 isoforms, decreased β-arrestin recruitment and receptor internalization, highlighting the importance of this GRK subfamily for D2R–β-arrestin interactions. These results were recapitulated using a phosphorylation-deficient D2R mutant, emphasizing that GRKs can enhance β-arrestin recruitment and activation independently of receptor phosphorylation.

Several types of sensory perception have circadian rhythms. The spinal cord can be considered a center for controlling circadian rhythms by changing clock gene expression. However, to date, it is not known if mechanonociception itself has a circadian rhythm. The hypothalamic A11 area represents the primary source of dopamine (DA) in the spinal cord and has been found to be involved in clock gene expression and circadian rhythmicity. Here, we investigate if the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) has a circadian rhythm, as well as the role of the dopaminergic A11 nucleus, DA, and DA receptors (DR) in the PWT circadian rhythm and if they modify clock gene expression in the lumbar spinal cord. Naïve rats showed a circadian rhythm of the PWT of almost 24 h, beginning during the night–day interphase and peaking at 14.63 h. Similarly, DA and DOPAC's spinal contents increased at dusk and reached their maximum contents at noon. The injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the A11 nucleus completely abolished the circadian rhythm of the PWT, reduced DA tissue content in the lumbar spinal cord, and induced tactile allodynia. Likewise, the repeated intrathecal administration of D1-like and D2-like DA receptor antagonists blunted the circadian rhythm of PWT. 6-OHDA reduced the expression of Clock and Per1 and increased Per2 gene expression during the day. In contrast, 6-OHDA diminished Clock, Bmal, Per1, Per2, Per3, Cry1, and Cry2 at night. The repeated intrathecal administration of the D1-like antagonist (SCH-23390) reduced clock genes throughout the day (Clock and Per2) and throughout the night (Clock, Per2 and Cry1), whereas it increased Bmal and Per1 throughout the day. In contrast, the intrathecal injection of the D2 receptor antagonists (L-741,626) increased the clock genes Bmal, Per2, and Per3 and decreased Per1 throughout the day. This study provides evidence that the circadian rhythm of the PWT results from the descending dopaminergic modulation of spinal clock genes induced by the differential activation of spinal DR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the first discovery of antipsychotics in the 1950s, targeting dopaminergic drugs has manifested to well manage the positive symptoms of schizophrenia with limited efficacy for the negative and cognitive symptoms. In past decades, extensive efforts have been undertaken towards the development of innovative agents that can effectively stabilize the dopamine and serotonin systems or target to nondopaminergic pathways, leading to various promising drug candidates entering into clinical trials. Notably, the sigma-2, 5-HT 2A , and α 1A receptor antagonist roluperidone, as well as a fixed-dose combination of the M 1/4 receptor agonist KarXT, have been submitted for NDA applications. The dual agonist ulotaront, which targets TAAR1 and 5-HT 1A receptors, and the GlyT1 inhibitor iclepertin have advanced into phase 3 clinical trials. Nevertheless, satisfactory therapeutic strategies for schizophrenia remain elusive. This review highlights current clinical endeavors in developing novel chemical small-molecule entities and fixed-dose combinations for the treatment of schizophrenia since 2017, thus facilitating the efficient development of the next generation of antipsychotics., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Anhedonia is characteristically preceded by chronic stress, likely involving downstream effects of glucocorticoid alterations on dopamine (DA) function. To elucidate the neural underpinnings of this interaction, we examined whether acute pharmacological modulation of DA alters reward learning after chronic mild stress (CMS). Forty-eight male Wistar rats were exposed to a 21-day CMS regime (n = 48 no stress controls) before completing the probabilistic reward task (PRT), a well-validated cross-species test of reward learning. We first examined whether stress-induced reward dysfunction could be restored by systemic injections of low-dose amisulpride (AMI), which increases DA transmission via D2-like autoreceptor blockade. Then, we investigated region-specific effects through bilateral infusions of quinpirole (QUIN), a D2-like receptor agonist, into either the nucleus accumbens core (NAcc) or medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Blunted reward learning in CMS animals was reversed by acute AMI administration, but this treatment did not alter reward learning in the no stress group. Elevated adrenal gland weight, a proxy for stress reactivity, predicted lower reward learning in the untreated CMS group. This effect was extinguished following AMI treatment. These findings might be attributed to significantly higher D2 receptor density in the NAcc of high stress reactive animals. To this end, NAcc QUIN infusions potentiated reward learning relative to mPFC QUIN infusions in CMS rats, but there was no effect in no stress control rats. Collectively, these findings suggest that DA modulation reverses stress-induced reward dysfunction, even among the most stress-reactive animals. The effect might depend on D2-like receptor activation in the mesolimbic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Pathophysiological changes in dopamine neurons precede their demise and contribute to the early phases of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Intracellular pathological inclusions of the protein α-synuclein within dopaminergic neurons are a cardinal feature of PD, but the mechanisms by which α-synuclein contributes to dopaminergic neuron vulnerability remain unknown. The inaccessibility to diseased tissue has been a limitation in studying progression of pathophysiology prior to degeneration of dopamine neurons. To address these issues, we differentiated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a PD patient carrying the α-synuclein triplication mutation (AST) and an unaffected first-degree relative (NAS) into dopaminergic neurons. In human-like dopamine neurons α-synuclein overexpression reduced the functional availability of D2 receptors, resulting in a stark dysregulation in firing activity, dopamine release, and neuronal morphology. We back-translated these findings into primary mouse neurons overexpressing α-synuclein and found a similar phenotype, supporting the causal role for α-synuclein. Importantly, application of D2 receptor agonist, quinpirole, restored the altered firing activity of AST-derived dopaminergic neurons to normal levels. These results provide novel insights into the pre-degenerative pathophysiological neuro-phenotype induced by α-synuclein overexpression and introduce a potential mechanism for the long-established clinical efficacy of D2 receptor agonists in the treatment of PD.

The dopamine D2 receptor has two splice variants, D2S (Short) and D2L (Long). In dopamine neurons, both variants can act as autoreceptors to regulate neuronal excitability and dopamine release, but the roles of each variant are incompletely characterized. In a previous study we used viral receptor expression in D2 receptor knockout mice to show distinct effects of calcium signaling on D2S and D2L autoreceptor function (Gantz et al., 2015). However, the cocaine-induced plasticity of D2 receptor desensitization observed in wild type mice was not recapitulated with this method of receptor expression. Here we use mice with genetic knockouts of either the D2S or D2L variant to investigate cocaine-induced plasticity in D2 receptor signaling. Following a single in vivo cocaine exposure, the desensitization of D2 receptors from neurons expressing only the D2S variant was reduced. This did not occur in D2L-expressing neurons, indicating differential drug-induced plasticity between the variants.

Dopaminergic modulation of prefrontal cortex (PFC) is thought to play key roles in many cognitive functions and to be disrupted in pathological conditions, such as schizophrenia. We have previously described a phenomenon whereby dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) activation elicits afterdepolarizations (ADPs) in subcortically projecting (SC) pyramidal neurons within L5 of the PFC. These D2R-induced ADPs only occur following synaptic input, which activates NMDARs, even when the delay between the synaptic input and ADPs is relatively long (e.g., several hundred milliseconds). Here, we use a combination of electrophysiological, optogenetic, pharmacological, transgenic, and chemogenetic approaches to elucidate cellular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon in male and female mice. We find that knocking out D2Rs eliminates the ADP in a cell-autonomous fashion, confirming that this ADP depends on D2Rs. Hyperpolarizing current injection, but not AMPA receptor blockade, prevents synaptic stimulation from facilitating D2R-induced ADPs, suggesting that this phenomenon depends on the recruitment of voltage-dependent currents (e.g., NMDAR-mediated Ca2+ influx) by synaptic input. Finally, the D2R-induced ADP is blocked by inhibitors of cAMP/PKA signaling, insensitive to pertussis toxin or β-arrestin knock-out, and mimicked by Gs-DREADD stimulation, suggesting that D2R activation elicits the ADP by stimulating cAMP/PKA signaling. These results show that this unusual physiological phenomenon, in which D2Rs enhance cellular excitability in a manner that depends on synaptic input, is mediated at the cellular level through the recruitment of signaling pathways associated with Gs, rather than the Gi/o-associated mechanisms that have classically been ascribed to D2Rs.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) are thought to play important roles in behaviors, including working memory and cognitive flexibility. Variation in D2Rs has also been implicated in schizophrenia, Tourette syndrome, and bipolar disorder. Recently, we described a new mechanism through which D2R activation can enhance the excitability of pyramidal neurons in the PFC. Here, we explore the underlying cellular mechanisms. Surprisingly, although D2Rs are classically assumed to signal through Gi/o-coupled G-proteins and/or scaffolding proteins, such as β-arrestin, we find that the effects of D2Rs on prefrontal pyramidal neurons are actually mediated by pathways associated with Gs-mediated signaling. Furthermore, we show how, via this D2R-dependent phenomenon, synaptic input can enhance the excitability of prefrontal neurons over timescales on the order of seconds. These results elucidate cellular mechanisms underlying a novel signaling pathway downstream of D2Rs that may contribute to prefrontal function under normal and pathological conditions.

RationaleBipolar disorder (BD) is a unique mood disorder defined by periods of depression and mania. The defining diagnosis of BD is the presence of mania/hypomania, with symptoms including hyperactivity and risk-taking. Since current treatments do not ameliorate cognitive deficits such as risky decision-making, and impulsivity that can negatively affect a patient's quality of life, better treatments are needed.ObjectivesHere, we tested whether acute treatment with brexpiprazole, a serotonin-dopamine activity modulator with partial agonist activity at D2/3 and 5-HT1A receptors, would attenuate the BD mania-relevant behaviors of the dopamine transporter (DAT) knockdown mouse model of mania.MethodsThe effects of brexpiprazole on DAT knockdown and wild-type littermate mice were examined in the behavioral pattern monitor (BPM) and Iowa gambling task (IGT) to quantify activity/exploration and impulsivity/risk-taking behavior respectively.ResultsDAT knockdown mice exhibited hyper-exploratory behavior in the BPM and made fewer safe choices in the IGT. Brexpiprazole attenuated the mania-like hyper-exploratory phenotype and increased safe choices in risk-preferring DAT knockdown mice. Brexpiprazole also reduced safe choices in safe-preferring mice irrespective of genotype. Finally, brexpiprazole reduced premature (impulsive-like) responses in both groups of mice.ConclusionsConsistent with earlier reports, DAT knockdown mice exhibited hyper-exploratory, risk-preferring, and impulsive-like profiles consistent with patients with BD mania in these tasks. These behaviors were attenuated after brexpiprazole treatment. These data therefore indicate that brexpiprazole could be a novel treatment for BD mania and/or risk-taking/impulsivity disorders, since it remediates some relevant behavioral abnormalities in this mouse model.

Cancer patients regularly suffer from the behavioral symptoms of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Particularly, it is involved in Pavlovian conditioning. Lithium chloride (LiCl) was used as the unconditioned stimulus (US) and contingent with the tastant, for example, a saccharin solution (i.e., the conditioned stimulus; CS), resulted in conditioned taste aversion (CTA) to the CS intake. The present study employed an animal model of LiCl-induced CTA to imitate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting symptoms. Recently, the basolateral amygdala (BLA) was shown to mediate LiCl-induced CTA learning; however, which brain mechanisms of the BLA regulate CTA by LiCl remain unknown. The present study was designed to test this issue, and 4% lidocaine or D2 blocker haloperidol were microinjected into BLA between the 0.1% saccharin solution intake and 0.15M LiCl. The results showed lidocaine microinjections into the BLA could attenuate the LiCl-induced CTA. Microinjections of haloperidol blunted the CTA learning by LiCl. Altogether, BLA via the sodium chloride ion channel and D2 receptors control LiCl-induced conditioned saccharin solution intake suppression. The findings can provide some implications and contributions to cancer chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting side effects, and will help to develop novel strategies to prevent the side effects of cancer chemotherapy.

G-protein-coupled D2 autoreceptors expressed on dopamine neurons (D2Rs) inhibit transmitter release and cell firing at axonal endings and somatodendritic compartments. Mechanistic details of somatodendritic dopamine release remain unresolved, partly due to insufficient information on the subcellular distribution of D2Rs. Previous studies localizing D2Rs have been hindered by a dearth of antibodies validated for specificity in D2R knockout animals and have been limited by the small sampling areas imaged by electron microscopy. This study utilized sub-diffraction fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy to examine D2 receptors in a superecliptic pHlourin GFP (SEP) epitope-tagged D2 receptor knockin mouse. Incubating live slices with an anti-SEP antibody achieved the selective labeling of plasma membrane-associated receptors for immunofluorescent imaging over a large area of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). SEP-D2Rs appeared as puncta-like structures along the surface of dendrites and soma of dopamine neurons visualized by antibodies to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). TH-associated SEP-D2Rs displayed a cell surface density of 0.66 puncta/µm2, which corresponds to an average frequency of 1 punctum every 1.50 µm. Separate ultrastructural experiments using silver-enhanced immunogold revealed that membrane-bound particles represented 28% of total D2Rs in putative dopamine cells within the SNc. Structures immediately adjacent to dendritic membrane gold particles were unmyelinated axons or axon varicosities (40%), astrocytes (19%), other dendrites (7%), or profiles unidentified (34%) in single sections. Some apposed profiles also expressed D2Rs. Fluorescent and ultrastructural analyses also provided the first visualization of membrane D2Rs at the axon initial segment, a compartment critical for action potential generation. The punctate appearance of anti-SEP staining indicates there is a population of D2Rs organized in discrete signaling sites along the plasma membrane, and for the first time, a quantitative estimate of spatial frequency is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysfunctions of the dopaminergic system are believed to play a major role in the core symptoms of schizophrenia such as positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. The first line of treatment of schizophrenia are antipsychotics, a class of medications that targets several neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, including dopaminergic, serotonergic, adrenergic and/or muscarinic receptors, depending on the given agent. Although the currently used antipsychotics display in vitro activity at several receptors, majority of them share the common property of having high/moderate in vitro affinity for dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) and D3 receptors (D3Rs). In terms of mode of action, these antipsychotics are either antagonist or partial agonist at the above-mentioned receptors. Although D2Rs and D3Rs possess high degree of homology in their molecular structure, have common signaling pathways and similar in vitro pharmacology, they have different in vivo pharmacology and therefore behavioral roles. The aim of this review, with summarizing preclinical and clinical evidence is to demonstrate that while currently used antipsychotics display substantial in vitro affinity for both D3Rs and D2Rs, only very few can significantly occupy D3Rs in vivo. The relative importance of the level of endogenous extracellular dopamine in the brain and the degree of in vitro D3Rs receptor affinity and selectivity as determinant factors for in vivo D3Rs occupancy by antipsychotics, are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Striatal dopamine dysfunction is associated with the altered top-down modulation of pain processing. The dopamine D2-like receptor family is a potential substrate for such effects due to its primary expression in the striatum, but evidence for this is currently lacking. Here, we investigated the effect of pharmacologically manipulating striatal dopamine D2 receptor activity on the anticipation and perception of acute pain stimuli in humans. Participants received visual cues that induced either certain or uncertain anticipation of two pain intensity levels delivered via a CO2 laser. Rating of the pain intensity and unpleasantness was recorded. Brain activity was recorded with EEG and analysed via source localisation to investigate neural activity during the anticipation and receipt of pain. Participants completed the experiment under three conditions, control (Sodium Chloride), D2 receptor agonist (Cabergoline), and D2 receptor antagonist (Amisulpride), in a repeated-measures, triple-crossover, double-blind study. The antagonist reduced an individuals' ability to distinguish between low and high pain following uncertain anticipation. The EEG source localisation showed that the agonist and antagonist reduced neural activations in specific brain regions associated with the sensory integration of salient stimuli during the anticipation and receipt of pain. During anticipation, the agonist reduced activity in the right mid-temporal region and the right angular gyrus, whilst the antagonist reduced activity within the right postcentral, right mid-temporal, and right inferior parietal regions. In comparison to control, the antagonist reduced activity within the insula during the receipt of pain, a key structure involved in the integration of the sensory and affective aspects of pain. Pain sensitivity and unpleasantness were not changed by D2R modulation. Our results support the notion that D2 receptor neurotransmission has a role in the top-down modulation of pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circadian genes, including Per1, in the medial shell region of nucleus accumbens (mNAcSh), regulate binge alcohol consumption. However, the upstream mechanism regulating circadian genes‐induced alcohol consumption is not known. Since activation of dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) increases Per1 gene expression, we hypothesised that local infusion of quinpirole, a D2R agonist, by increasing Per1 gene expression in the mNAcSh, will increase binge alcohol consumption in mice. We performed two experiments on male C57BL/6J mice, instrumented with bilateral guide cannulas above the mNAcSh, and exposed to a 4‐day drinking‐in‐dark (DID) paradigm. The first experiment determined the effects of bilateral infusion of quinpirole (100 ng/300 nl/site) or DMSO (Vehicle group) in the mNAcSh on Per1 gene expression and alcohol consumption. The second experiment determined the effect of antisense‐induced downregulation of Per1 in the mNAcSh on the quinpirole‐induced increase in alcohol consumption. Control experiments were performed by exposing the animals to sucrose (10% w/v). After the experiment, animals were euthanised, brains removed and processed for localisation of injection sites and analysis of Per1 gene expression in the mNAcSh. As compared with the DMSO, local bilateral infusion of quinpirole significantly increased the expression of Per1 in the mNAcSh along with an increase in the amount of alcohol consumed in mice exposed to DID paradigm. In addition, local antisense‐induced downregulation of Per1 significantly attenuated the effects of intro‐accumbal infusion of quinpirole on alcohol consumption. Our results suggest that Per1 in the mNAcSh mediates D2R activation‐induced increase in alcohol consumption [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter that regulates attention through dopamine D1 and D2-receptors in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). We previously developed an object-based attention test (OBAT) to evaluate attention in mice. Disruption of the dopaminergic neuronal system in the PFC induced attentional impairment in the OBAT. However, previous studies have not systematically examined which specific brain regions are associated with the blockade of PFC dopamine D1 and D2-receptors in the OBAT. In this study, we investigated the association of dopamine D1 and D2-receptors in the PFC with attention and neuronal activity in diverse brain regions. We found that both dopamine D1 and D2-receptor antagonists induced attentional impairment in the OBAT by bilateral microinjection into the PFC of mice, suggesting that both dopamine D1 and D2-receptors were associated with attention in the OBAT. Our analysis of the neuronal activity as indicated by c-Fos expression in 11 different brain regions showed that based on the antagonist types, there was selective activation of several brain regions. Overall, this study suggests that both dopamine D1 and D2-receptors play a role in attention through different neuronal circuits in the PFC of mice.

Dysfunctions of the dopaminergic system are believed to play a major role in the core symptoms of schizophrenia such as positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. The first line of treatment of schizophrenia are antipsychotics, a class of medications that targets several neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, including dopaminergic, serotonergic, adrenergic and/or muscarinic receptors, depending on the given agent. Although the currently used antipsychotics display in vitro activity at several receptors, majority of them share the common property of having high/moderate in vitro affinity for dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) and D3 receptors (D3Rs). In terms of mode of action, these antipsychotics are either antagonist or partial agonist at the above-mentioned receptors. Although D2Rs and D3Rs possess high degree of homology in their molecular structure, have common signaling pathways and similar in vitro pharmacology, they have different in vivo pharmacology and therefore behavioral roles. The aim of this review, with summarizing preclinical and clinical evidence is to demonstrate that while currently used antipsychotics display substantial in vitro affinity for both D3Rs and D2Rs, only very few can significantly occupy D3Rs in vivo. The relative importance of the level of endogenous extracellular dopamine in the brain and the degree of in vitro D3Rs receptor affinity and selectivity as determinant factors for in vivo D3Rs occupancy by antipsychotics, are also discussed.

The psychomotor effects of cocaine are mediated by dopamine (DA) through stimulation of striatal circuits. Gabaergic striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) are the only output of this pivotal structure in the control of movements. The majority of MSNs express either the DA D1 or D2 receptors (D1R, D2R). Studies have shown that the motor effect of cocaine depends on the DA-mediated stimulation of D1R-expressing MSNs (dMSNs), which is mirrored at the cellular level by stimulation of signaling pathways leading to phosphorylation of ERKs and induction of c-fos Nevertheless, activation of dMSNs by cocaine is necessary but not sufficient, and D2R signaling is required for the behavioral and cellular effects of cocaine. Indeed, cocaine motor effects and activation of signaling in dMSNs are blunted in mice with the constitutive knockout of D2R (D2RKO). Using mouse lines with a cell-specific knockout of D2R either in MSNs (MSN-D2RKO) or in dopaminergic neurons (DA-D2RKO), we show that D2R signaling in MSNs is required and permissive for the motor stimulant effects of cocaine and the activation of signaling in dMSNs. MSN-D2RKO mice show the same phenotype as constitutive D2RKO mice both at the behavioral and cellular levels. Importantly, activation of signaling in dMSNs by cocaine is rescued by intrastriatal injection of the GABA antagonist, bicuculline. These results are in support of intrastriatal connections of D2R+-MSNs (iMSNs) with dMSNs and indicate that D2R signaling in MSNs is critical for the function of intrastriatal circuits.

Developmental dysregulation of dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) alters neuronal migration, differentiation, and behavior and contributes to the psychopathology of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The current study is aimed at identifying how cell-specific loss of D2Rs in the cerebral cortex may impact neurobehavioral and cellular development, in order to better understand the roles of this receptor in cortical circuit formation and brain disorders. We deleted D2R from developing cortical GABAergic interneurons (Nkx2.1 -Cre) or from developing telencephalic glutamatergic neurons (Emx1 -Cre). Conditional knockouts (cKO) from both lines, Drd2 fl/fl, Nkx2.1-Cre + (referred to as GABA-D2R-cKO mice) or Drd2 fl/fl, Emx1-Cre + (referred to as Glu-D2R-cKO mice), exhibited no differences in simple tests of anxiety-related or depression-related behaviors, or spatial or nonspatial working memory. Both GABA-D2R-cKO and Glu-D2R-cKO mice also had normal basal locomotor activity, but GABA-D2R-cKO mice expressed blunted locomotor responses to the psychotomimetic drug MK-801. GABA-D2R-cKO mice exhibited improved motor coordination on a rotarod whereas Glu-D2R-cKO mice were normal. GABA-D2R-cKO mice also exhibited spatial learning deficits without changes in reversal learning on a Barnes maze. At the cellular level, we observed an increase in PV+ cells in the frontal cortex of GABA-D2R-cKO mice and no noticeable changes in Glu-D2R-cKO mice. These data point toward unique and distinct roles for D2Rs within excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the regulation of behavior and interneuron development, and suggest that location-biased D2R pharmacology may be clinically advantageous to achieve higher efficacy and help avoid unwanted effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding risk factors for substance use disorders (SUD) can facilitate medication development for SUD treatment. While a rich literature exists discussing environmental factors that influence SUD, fewer articles have focused on genetic factors that convey vulnerability to drug use. Methods to identify SUD risk genes include Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and transgenic approaches. GWAS have identified hundreds of gene variants or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However, few genes identified by GWAS have been verified by clinical or preclinical studies. In contrast, significant progress has been made in transgenic approaches to identify risk genes for SUD. In this article, we review recent progress in identifying candidate genes contributing to drug use and addiction using transgenic approaches. A central hypothesis is if a particular gene variant (e.g., resulting in reduction or deletion of a protein) is associated with increases in drug self-administration or relapse to drug seeking, this gene variant may be considered a risk factor for drug use and addiction. Accordingly, we identified several candidate genes such as those that encode dopamine D2 and D3 receptors, mGluR2, M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, and α5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which appear to meet the risk-gene criteria when their expression is decreased. Here, we describe the role of these receptors in drug reward and addiction, and then summarize major findings from the gene-knockout mice or rats in animal models of addiction. Lastly, we briefly discuss future research directions in identifying addiction-related risk genes and in risk gene-based medication development for the treatment of addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dopamine neurotransmission plays a critical role in reward in drug abuse and drug addiction. However, the role of dopamine in the recognition of drug-associated environmental stimuli, retrieval of drug-associated memory, and drug-seeking behaviors is not fully understood. Methods Roles of dopamine neurotransmission in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) in the cocaine-conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm were evaluated using in vivo microdialysis. Results In mice that had acquired cocaine CPP, dopamine levels in the PFC, but not in the NAc, increased in response to cocaine-associated cues when mice were placed in the cocaine chamber of an apparatus with 2 separated chambers. The induction of the dopamine response and the development of cocaine CPP were mediated through activation of glutamate NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate)/AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptor signaling in the PFC during conditioning. Activation of dopamine D1 or D2 receptor signaling in the PFC was required for cocaine-induced locomotion, but not for the induction of the dopamine response or the development of cocaine CPP. Interestingly, dopamine levels in the NAc increased in response to cocaine-associated cues when mice were placed at the center of an apparatus with 2 connected chambers, which requires motivated exploration associated with cocaine reward. Conclusions Dopamine neurotransmission in the PFC is activated by the exposure to the cocaine-associated cues, whereas dopamine neurotransmission in the NAc is activated in a process of motivated exploration of cues associated with cocaine reward. Furthermore, the glutamate signaling cascade in the PFC is suggested to be a potential therapeutic target to prevent the progression of drug addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding risk factors for substance use disorders (SUD) can facilitate medication development for SUD treatment. While a rich literature exists discussing environmental factors that influence SUD, fewer articles have focused on genetic factors that convey vulnerability to drug use. Methods to identify SUD risk genes include Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and transgenic approaches. GWAS have identified hundreds of gene variants or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However, few genes identified by GWAS have been verified by clinical or preclinical studies. In contrast, significant progress has been made in transgenic approaches to identify risk genes for SUD. In this article, we review recent progress in identifying candidate genes contributing to drug use and addiction using transgenic approaches. A central hypothesis is if a particular gene variant (e.g., resulting in reduction or deletion of a protein) is associated with increases in drug self-administration or relapse to drug seeking, this gene variant may be considered a risk factor for drug use and addiction. Accordingly, we identified several candidate genes such as those that encode dopamine D2 and D3 receptors, mGluR2, M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, and α5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which appear to meet the risk-gene criteria when their expression is decreased. Here, we describe the role of these receptors in drug reward and addiction, and then summarize major findings from the gene-knockout mice or rats in animal models of addiction. Lastly, we briefly discuss future research directions in identifying addiction-related risk genes and in risk gene-based medication development for the treatment of addiction.

Developmental dysregulation of dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) alters neuronal migration, differentiation, and behavior and contributes to the psychopathology of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The current study is aimed at identifying how cell-specific loss of D2Rs in the cerebral cortex may impact neurobehavioral and cellular development, in order to better understand the roles of this receptor in cortical circuit formation and brain disorders. We deleted D2R from developing cortical GABAergic interneurons (Nkx2.1-Cre) or from developing telencephalic glutamatergic neurons (Emx1-Cre). Conditional knockouts (cKO) from both lines, Drd2fl/fl, Nkx2.1-Cre+ (referred to as GABA-D2R-cKO mice) or Drd2fl/fl, Emx1-Cre+ (referred to as Glu-D2R-cKO mice), exhibited no differences in simple tests of anxiety-related or depression-related behaviors, or spatial or nonspatial working memory. Both GABA-D2R-cKO and Glu-D2R-cKO mice also had normal basal locomotor activity, but GABA-D2R-cKO mice expressed blunted locomotor responses to the psychotomimetic drug MK-801. GABA-D2R-cKO mice exhibited improved motor coordination on a rotarod whereas Glu-D2R-cKO mice were normal. GABA-D2R-cKO mice also exhibited spatial learning deficits without changes in reversal learning on a Barnes maze. At the cellular level, we observed an increase in PV+ cells in the frontal cortex of GABA-D2R-cKO mice and no noticeable changes in Glu-D2R-cKO mice. These data point toward unique and distinct roles for D2Rs within excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the regulation of behavior and interneuron development, and suggest that location-biased D2R pharmacology may be clinically advantageous to achieve higher efficacy and help avoid unwanted effects.

Dopamine D 2 -like receptors, especially D 2 and D 3 receptor subtypes, are important targets of antipsychotic agents. Many of these antipsychotics share an aliphatic linker element between a protonable amine group and an acyl-like moiety. Here, we have modified this aliphatic linker into phenylmethyl and phenylethyl linkers substituted in different positions. The design, synthesis, and in vitro evaluation of 18 dopamine D 2 and D 3 receptor ligands were performed in this study. Using a radioligand displacement assay, all ligands were found to have modest nanomolar affinity to D 2 R and D 3 R. N-(4-{2-[4-(2-Methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethyl}phenyl)acetamide (6c) demonstrates the highest D 3 R and D 2 R affinity values (pK i values of 7.83 [D 2 R] and 8.04 [D 3 R]), featuring a slight preference to D 3 R. This derivative can be taken as a reference structure for the development of a new class of D 2 R and D 3 R ligands., (© 2024 The Authors. Archiv der Pharmazie published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH on behalf of Deutsche Pharmazeutische Gesellschaft.)

The effect of subchronic administration of the nootropic drug piracetam (200 mg/kg, daily for 6 d) on the behavioral parameters of subpopulations of outbred CD-1 mice with different phenotypes of sustained attention to environmental objects was studied in the closed enriched plus-maze (CEPM) test. The drug action was selective in rodents of the attention deficit phenotype (ED-low), and restored the preference for an enriched environment during exploratory behavior relative to the corresponding control. Radioligand analysis ex vivo showed that piracetam at the selected dose and administration protocol increased the density of GABAB receptors in the prefrontal cortex of animals of the ED-low subtype without affecting the number of NMDA and D2 receptors in the studied brain structures. Changes observed in the neuroreceptor profile may indicate significant participation of a GABA-ergic component in the mechanism of piracetam action in experimental pathology of attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]