Cortico-striatal gamma oscillations are modulated by dopamine D3 receptors in dyskinetic rats

Long-term levodopa administration can lead to the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesia.Gamma oscillations are a widely recognized hallmark of abnormal neural electrical activity in levodopa-induced dyskinesia.Currently,studies have reported increased oscillation power in cases of levodopa-induced dyskinesia.However,little is known about how the other electrophysiological parameters of gamma oscillations are altered in levodopa-induced dyskinesia.Furthermore,the role of the dopamine D3 receptor,which is implicated in levodopa-induced dyskinesia,in movement disorder-related changes in neural oscillations is unclear.We found that the cortico-striatal functional connectivity of beta oscillations was enhanced in a model of Parkinson’s disease.Furthermore,levodopa application enhanced cortical gamma oscillations in cortico-striatal projections and cortical gamma aperiodic components,as well as bidirectional primary motor cortex(M1)↔dorsolateral striatum gamma flow.Administration of PD128907(a selective dopamine D3 receptor agonist)induced dyskinesia and excessive gamma oscillations with a bidirectional M1↔dorsolateral striatum flow.However,administration of PG01037(a selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist)attenuated dyskinesia,suppressed gamma oscillations and cortical gamma aperiodic components,and decreased gamma causality in the M1→dorsolateral striatum direction.These findings suggest that the dopamine D3 receptor plays a role in dyskinesia-related oscillatory activity,and that it has potential as a therapeutic target for levodopa-induced dyskinesia.

Dopamine D₁- and D₂-Receptors in Immunostimulation under Activation of Mu-Opioid Receptors in Mice with Different Psychoemotional States

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effect of activation of mu-opioid receptors (mu-OR) on the immune response under blockade of postsynaptic D1-and D2-receptors in mice of the C57BL/6J strain displaying either aggressive or depressive-like behaviors in the social conflict model. It is shown that activation of activation of mu-OR with a highly selective agonist DAGO (100 μg/kg) increased significantly IgM-immune response not only in C57BL/6J mice with an unchanged psychoemotional state but also in mice displaying aggressive or depressive-like behaviors in the social stress model (10 days of agonistic confrontations). Selective blockade of DA receptors of the D1-type with SCH-23390 (1.0 mg/kg with DAGO administration) caused a more pronounced elevation of IgM-immune response than DAGO alone while DAGO effect was completely blocked by prior administration of D2-receptor antagonist haloperidol (1.0 mg/kg). At the same time, both SCH-23390 and haloperidol prevented the immune response increase induced by DAGO injection in mice engaged in aggressive or depressive-like behaviors. Thus, in animals not subjected to social stress DAGO-induced immunostimulation is provided only by D2-receptors, whereas in animals with altered psychoemotional state mu-opioid immunostimulation is mediated by both types of DA receptors—D1 and D2. These data provide evidence for different impacts of the main subtypes of DA receptors in the mediation of immunomodulating effects of mu-opioid system under normal and stressful conditions.

Dopamine in the prefrontal cortex plays multiple roles in the executive function of patients with Parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s disease can affect not only motor functions but also cognitive abilities,leading to cognitive impairment.One common issue in Parkinson’s disease with cognitive dysfunction is the difficulty in executive functioning.Executive functions help us plan,organize,and control our actions based on our goals.The brain area responsible for executive functions is called the prefrontal co rtex.It acts as the command center for the brain,especially when it comes to regulating executive functions.The role of the prefrontal cortex in cognitive processes is influenced by a chemical messenger called dopamine.However,little is known about how dopamine affects the cognitive functions of patients with Parkinson’s disease.In this article,the authors review the latest research on this topic.They start by looking at how the dopaminergic syste m,is alte red in Parkinson’s disease with executive dysfunction.Then,they explore how these changes in dopamine impact the synaptic structure,electrical activity,and connection components of the prefrontal cortex.The authors also summarize the relationship between Parkinson’s disease and dopamine-related cognitive issues.This information may offer valuable insights and directions for further research and improvement in the clinical treatment of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease.

The dopaminergic system and Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder in older adults.Despite its prevalence,its pathogenesis remains unclea r.In addition to the most widely accepted causes,which in clude excessive amyloid-beta aggregation,tau hyperphosphorylation,and deficiency of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine,numerous studies have shown that the dopaminergic system is also closely associated with the occurrence and development of this condition.Dopamine is a crucial catecholaminergic neurotransmitter in the human body.Dopamine-associated treatments,such as drugs that target dopamine receptor D and dopamine analogs,can improve cognitive function and alleviate psychiatric symptoms as well as ameliorate other clinical manifestations.Howeve r,therapeutics targeting the dopaminergic system are associated with various adverse reactions,such as addiction and exacerbation of cognitive impairment.This review summarizes the role of the dopaminergic system in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease,focusing on currently available dopamine-based therapies for this disorder and the common side effects associated with dopamine-related drugs.The aim of this review is to provide insights into the potential connections between the dopaminergic system and Alzheimer's disease,thus helping to clarify the mechanisms underlying the condition and exploring more effective therapeutic options.

Effects of Ovariectomy and 17<i>β</i>-Estradiol Replacement on Dopamine D2 Receptors in Female Rats: Consequences on Sucrose, Alcohol, Water Intakes and Body Weight

Background: Mechanisms underlying overeating-induced obesity in post-menopausal woman include functional lack of 17β-estradiol dysregulating dopamine D2 receptors, thereby inducing food addiction, glucose craving or alcohol dependence through reward circuitry. This study aimed at further understanding 17β-estradiol and dopamine D2 receptors interferences in the etiology of woman obesity. Method: Seventy-two Wistar female rats weighing 200 - 205 g, individually-housed, were divided into non-ovariectomized control (C = 6 groups) and ovariectomized rats (OVX = 6 groups) which were concurrently subjected to the following treatments: Non-drug-treated (DMSO vehicle), 17β-estradiol (E2, 5 μg/kg, s.c.), sulpiride (SUL, 20 mg/kg, i.p.), bromocriptine (BR, 0.1 mg/kg, i.p.), E2 + SUL or E2 + BR, designating the 6 constitutive groups of either control or ovariectomy. Within each experimental group, consumption of different solutions (10% alcohol, 10% sucrose and water) as well as food intake and body weight were daily measured, for 10 consecutive days. Results: This study indicated that D2S was a specific inducer of alcohol and food intakes, but reduced sugar consumption. In addition, 17β- estradiol regulated the body weight set point, modulating D2S functions towards increased food intake at lower weights and decreased food intake at higher weights. D2S met the slow genomic actions induced by 17β-estradiol. Conversely, D2L inhibited alcohol and food intakes, but induced specifically sugar consumption, thereby regulating blood glucose levels and promoting energy expenditure in reducing body weight. Indeed, 17β-estradiol exerted a tonic inhibition on D2L which was released by OVX, exacerbating sugar intake and increasing body weight. D2L mediated the rapid metabolic effects of 17β-estradiol. Conclusion: Our results supported physiological data reporting that activation of the mostly expressed presynaptically D2S-class autoreceptors decreased dopamine release stimulating food intake, whereas activation of the predominantly postsynaptic isoform D2L receptors increased dopamine activity inhibiting food intake. Our studies indicated that 17β-estradiol acted on the two types of D2 receptors showing opposite functions to equilibrate energy intake vs. expenditure for weight set point regulation. Our data also supported biochemical findings reporting that 17β-estradiol induced D2 genes transcriptional regulation, thereby involving both types of D2 receptors in the etiology of obesity. The combined dysregulated effects of D2L and D2S receptors, as 17β-estradiol was lacking, would be causal factors underlying the etiology of obesity.

Effect of PDⅠAdministration on Dopamine Receptors mRNAs Expression in the Lesioned Striatum of PD Rat Model

To study the effect of PD Ⅰ administration on dopamine receptors （DR, , DRz ） mRNAs expression in the lesioned striatum of the PD rat model and confirm if PDⅠ has the effect of dopamine receptor agonist. The PD rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned were administrated with PD Ⅰ , L-dopa methyl/benserazide, L-dopa methyl/benserazide/ PD Ⅰ , normal saline respectively for 4 weeks and their behavioral changes were observed. Then the rats were sacrificed and RT-PCR technique was used to detect changes of dopamine receptors （DR1, DR2） mRNAs expression in the ipsilateral striatum 1 day after the last treatment. The results showed that treatment with PD Ⅰ plus L-dopa resulted in a stable contralateral rotation behavior; treatment with L-dopa resulted in a progressively increased contralateral rotation behavior. Rotation behavior induced by anhydromorphine decreased with PD Ⅰ or PD Ⅰ plus L-dopa treatment. Treatment With L-dopa or PD Ⅰ plus L-dopa, up-regulation of DR, mRNA and down-regulation of DR2 mRNA were observed in the ipsilateral striatum which were more obvious than that treated with PD Ⅰ or vehicle （P〈0. 05）. It was concluded that long-term treatment with PD Ⅰ could alleviate the behavior of PD rats. PD Ⅰ had no apparent effect on the dopamine receptors （DRI , DRz ） mRNAs expression in the ipsilateral striatum and the PD Ⅰ has no agonist effect on dopamine receptors.

M_(4) muscarinic receptors regulates dopamine/DARPP-32 signaling and glutamate transmis⁃sion to balance dopaminergic D1 function in mouse dorsal striatum

OBJECTIVE Abnormal striatal dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmis⁃sion is central to the pathophysiology of schizo⁃phrenia.In this study,we investigated the roles of M4 receptor interplay with D1 signaling in stria⁃tal neurotransmission that affect glutamatergic transmission to control the etiology of neuropsy⁃chiatric disorders.METHODS To study dorsal striatum(DS)region-specific neuronal and behav⁃ioral responses modulated by M4 receptors,we used clustered regularly interspaced short palin⁃dromic repeats-associated protein 9 technology to generate mice lacking M4 in the dorsal stria⁃tum(DS-M4-KD).The M4 positive allosteric modu⁃lator,VU0467154,were used to study the phar⁃macologically profiles with M4 receptor stimula⁃tion in WT mice.Oxotremorine M(Oxo-M),a no subtype-selective muscarinic agonist,was used to show that mAchRs activation,in order to dissect the particular function of M4,in DS-M4-KD mice.Open filed test and forced swim test were used to assess the change of psychiatric-like behav⁃iors.Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to detect protein levels of phosphory⁃lation site of dopamine-and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of 32 ku(DARPP-32).Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was used to assess M4-mediated cholinergic inhibition of glutamater⁃gic synaptic input transmission.RESULTS West⁃ern blotting and immunohistochemistry assay showed VU0467154(5 mg·kg-1,ip)promoted phosphorylation of DARPP-32 at Thr75,and atten⁃uated D1-dependent phosphorylation of DARPP-32 at Thr34 within the mouse DS.Consistently,the Oxo-M(4μg,icv)also increased DARPP-32 phosphorylation at site Thr75 to reversed phos⁃phorylation at site Thr34 in WT mice,but not in DS-M4-KD mice.In parallel with altered DARPP-32 responses,VU0467154 or Oxo-M evoked a psychological stress response and reversed D1-induced hyperlocomotion in mice in open field test and force swim tests.However,Oxo-M sup⁃pression of D1-depengdeng behavioral respons⁃es was impaired in DS-M4-KD mice.Whole-cell patch recording showed that VU0467154 or Oxo-M mediated endogenous cholinergic inhibition of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents through M4 receptors,which in turn suppressed D1-depen⁃dent glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the DS.CONCLUSION This study provides evidence for the role of M4 receptors in regulation of dopa⁃mine/DARPP-32 signaling and glutamate respons⁃es in the DS,and therefore modulation of psychi⁃atric behaviors associated with D1 signaling.This results indicate the mechanisms of treatments targeting M4 in psychiatric disorders.

Effects of endogenous dopamine induced by low concentration atropine eye drops on choroidal neovascularization in high myopia mice

AIM:To evaluate effects of endogenous dopamine induced by low concentration atropine eye drops on choroidal neovascularization(CNV)in high myopia mice.METHODS:The C57BL/6J mice were deprived of the right eye for 4wk,and the high myopia was diagnosed by optometry,the diopter was less than-6.00 D,and CNV was induced by 532 nm laser.The changes of dopamine D1 receptor(DRD1),dopamine D2 receptor(DRD2),and vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA)were detected by Western blot technology at 0.5,1,2h,and 7d after 0.01%,0.05%,and 0.1%atropine eye drops,respectively,the area of CNV was measured.RESULTS:Significant increases were observed on the expression of DRD2 in mouse high myopia model at 0.5,1,2h,7d with 0.05%and 0.1%atropine eye drops(P<0.05).Significant decreases were observed on the expression of DRD1 and VEGFA in mouse high myopia model at 0.5,1,2h,7d with 0.05%and 0.1%atropine eye drops(P<0.05).The area of CNV induced by laser in the drug-treated group was significantly smaller than that in the control group,and the higher the concentration,the more significant the inhibitory effect(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The 0.01%,0.05%,0.1%atropine eye drops can decrease the level of VEGFA and inhibit high myopia CNV indirectly by up-regulating the level of DRD2 and down-regulating the level of DRD1,and the effect of 0.05%and 0.1%atropine eye drops is more significant.

Modeling of Dopamine D2 Receptor and its Agonist DOCK Analyses

A model of transmembrane helices of dopamine D2 receptor was constructed using the X ray coordinates of bacteriorhodopsin (BR) as a template. Based on the results from the model and the site directed mutagenesis experience, the binding pocket, including nine amino acid residues beside indispensable Asp86, Ser141 and Ser144 residues, was defined. In order to testify the 3D structure of dopamine D2 receptor and specially test the binding sites, two sets of D2 receptor agonists (one was rigid and the other flexible) were selected for docking. A good result of correlation between logIC 50 and binding energy E b indicates that the predicted model is reliable for the investigation of the receptor ligand interaction and design of new active molecules.

Monoclonal antibody targeting mu-opioid receptor attenuates morphine tolerance via enhancing morphine-induced receptor endocytosis

Morphine is a frequently used analgesic that activates the mu-opioid receptor(MOR),which has prominent side effects of tolerance.Although the inefficiency of morphine in inducing the endocytosis of MOR underlies the development of morphine tolerance,currently,there is no effective therapy to treat morphine tolerance.In the current study,we aimed to develop a monoclonal antibody(mAb)precisely targeting MOR and to determine its therapeutic efficacy on morphine tolerance and the underlying molecular mechanisms.We successfully prepared a mAb targeting MOR,named 3A5C7,by hybridoma technique using a strategy of deoxyribonucleic acid immunization combined with cell immunization,and identified it as an immunoglobulin G mAb with high specificity and affinity for MOR and binding ability to antigens with spatial conformation.Treatment of two cell lines,HEK293T and SH-SY5Y,with 3A5C7 enhanced morphine-induced MOR endocytosis via a G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2(GRK2)/b-arrestin2-dependent mechanism,as demonstrated by immunofluorescence staining,flow cytometry,Western blotting,coimmunoprecipitation,and small interfering ribonucleic acid(siRNA)-based knockdown.This mAb also allowed MOR recycling from cytoplasm to plasma membrane and attenuated morphine-induced phosphorylation of MOR.We established an in vitro morphine tolerance model using differentiated SH-SY5Y cells induced by retinoic acid.Western blot,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays,and siRNA-based knockdown revealed that 3A5C7 mAb diminished hyperactivation of adenylate cyclase,the in vitro biomarker of morphine tolerance,via the GRK2/b-arrestin2 pathway.Furthermore,in vivo hotplate test demonstrated that chronic intrathecal administration of 3A5C7 significantly alleviated morphine tolerance in mice,and withdrawal jumping test revealed that both chronic and acute 3A5C7 intrathecal administration attenuated morphine dependence.Finally,intrathecal electroporation of silencing short hairpin RNA illustrated that the in vivo anti-tolerance and anti-dependence efficacy of 3A5C7 was mediated by enhanced morphine-induced MOR endocytosis via GRK2/b-arrestin2 pathway.Collectively,our study provided a therapeutic mAb,3A5C7,targeting MOR to treat morphine tolerance,mediated by enhancing morphine-induced MOR endocytosis.The mAb 3A5C7 demonstrates promising translational value to treat clinical morphine tolerance.

-94 G/A polymorphism in the dopamine D1 receptor gene is associated with schizophrenia in a Chinese Han population from Shandong province

The correlation between -94 G/A polymorphism in the dopamine D1 receptor gone and schizophrenia remains poorly understood despite extensive research. This study sought to evaluate the genotypes and allele frequencies of the -94 G/A polymorphism in the dopamine D1 receptor gone by real-time PCR using TaqMan fluorescent probes. One hundred and sixty-two patients with schizophrenia and 101 healthy controls living in Shandong province of China were evaluated. Experimental results showed that the G/A genotype distribution was significantly higher in the schizophrenia patients than in healthy controls. The frequencies of G allele and A allele were not significantly different between the schizophrenia patients and the controls. Thus, the -94 G/A polymorphism in the dopamine D1 receptor gone was found to be associated with schizophrenia in a Chinese Han population from Shandong province.

Dopamine receptor D3R and D4R mRNA levels in peripheral lymphocytes in patients with schizophrenia correlate with severity of illness

Schizophrenia is a disease that affects many areas of the brain. The dopamine hypothesis is one of the most widely-accepted ideas in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Besides alterations in the dopaminergic system in the central nervous system, there have been several reports of changes in dopaminergic systems in the peripheral blood of schizophrenic patients. Several reports have shown that dopamine receptor expression by lymphocytes is altered in patients with schizophrenia, but the results have been conflicting. We therefore re-assessed D3R and D4R mRNA levels in 11 patients with schizophrenia and 12 healthy subjects and correlated levels with severity of symptoms. D3R and D4R expression in lymphocytes and granulocytes was measured by quantitative RT-PCR and the severity of symptoms and cognitive impairment were assessed using the PANSS and BACS-J. There were no significant differences in mean D3R or D4R mRNA levels in lymphocytes from schizophrenic patients and controls and no significant difference in mean D4R mRNA levels in granulocytes (D3R mRNA undetectable). In patients with schizophrenia, D3R expression was inversely correlated with the total PANSS score (r = 0.768, p = 0.009), while D4R expression was positively correlated with working memory scales (r = 0.895, p = 0.001). In conclusion, these results imply that lymphocyte D3R and D4R are involved in the mechanisms of the disorder and could be used as target markers in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Down-regulation of dopamine D2 receptor associates with impaired reversal learning induced by morphine withdrawal

OBJECTIVE Cognitive inflexibility plays a critical role in the compulsive drug taking,a central characteristic of drug addictions,yet its underlying neurochemical mechanisms are not well understood.The present study examined the impact of morphine withdrawal on reversal learning.METHODS Reversal learning was tested in a four-choices digging task.Some brain tissues were harvested 2 h after the behavioral experiment for the further measurement.RESULTS We found that after long-term abstinence for a month from chronic morphine exposure,mice exhibited a profound reversal learning deficit.We further found that dopamine D2 receptor(D2R)system in the frontal-striatal circuit is significantly down-regulated,at both receptor and downstream signals levels.Subsequent pharmacological experiments demonstrated that aripiprazole,a D2R partial agonist,prevented the D2R downregulation and rescued the reversal learning deficit.CONCLUSION Together,our findings provide valuable insights into the causal relationship between D2R system in the frontal-striatal circuit and the cognitive inflexibility caused by abused drugs and offer a promising possibility of an effective therapeutic intervention for drug addictions.

Anti-post-traumatic stress disorder effect of dopamine D3 receptor antagonist

OBJECTIVE To explore the antipost-traumatic-stress-disorder(PTSD) effects and its probable mechanism of YQA14,a dopamine D3 receptor antagonist.METHODS Two PTSD animal models,the rat single prolonged stress(SPS) model and the mouse pre-shock model,were used in this experiment.In the SPS model,adult male Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were randomly divided into control group,model group,positive group and YQA14 groups with different dosages.In the mouse pre-chock model,dopamine D3 receptor knockout(KO) and wild type(WT) mice were randomly divided into control group,model group,positive group and YQA14 group.After the establishment of animal models,the saline,sertraline(ig) and YQA14(ip)were administered to the animals in the control,model,positive control and test groups respectively.The open field test(OFT) was used to evaluate the locomotor activity while the contextual freezing(CF) measurement and elevated plus maze(EPM) test were used to evaluate the PTSD-like behaviors.RESULTS In the rat SPS model,neither SPS nor drug treatment affected the locomotor activity in rats.However,SPS rats showed significant PTSD-like behaviors with enhanced freezing time in CF(P<0.01) and decreased percentage of entries into open arms and time spent in open arms in EPM(P<0.05,P<0.01).Moreover,compared with the model group,the repeated administration of YQA14(3.125,6.25 and 12.5 mg·kg-1)significantly reduced the freezing time(P<0.01)and increased the percentages of entries into open arms and time spent in open arms(P<0.05).In the mouse pre-shock model,when both model groups showed significant higher freezing time compared with the respective control groups(P<0.05,P<0.01),YQA14 selectively alleviated the freezing time on WT mice(P<0.05) while had no effect on KO mice.In the EPM tests,the WT mice model group showed a significant reduction in the percentage of entries into open arms and time spent in open arms(P<0.05) while D3 R KO mice model group didn′ t show any reduction,compared with respective control groups.Furthermore,daily administration of YQA14 at 12.5 mg·kg-1 both significantly reduced the percentages of entries into and time spent in open arms(P<0.05) but not D3 R KO mice.None of the locomotor activity were significantly affected.CONCLUSION YQA14 could significantly alleviate the PTSD-like behaviors in rodents and the effects were mediated by the blockade of brain D3 receptors.

Effects of septal nucleus lesion on dopamine D_2 receptor expression in the prefrontal lobe, striatum, and brainstem in a rat model of schizophrenia

BACKGROUND： It has been demonstrated that the septal nucleus is involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Based on autopsies of schizophrenia patients, studies have shown a reduced number of septal nucleus neurons and glia. In addition, experimental rat models of schizophrenia have shown increased dopamine receptor D2 binding sites in the basal ganglia, septal nuclei, and substantia nigra. Previous studies have demonstrated that the septal nucleus modulates dopamine metabolic disorder and dopamine D2 receptor balance. OBJECTIVE： Dopamine D2 receptor expression in a rat model of schizophrenia, combined with antipsychotic drugs, was analyzed in the prefrontal lobe, striatum, and brainstem. In situ hybridization was used to observe the effects of stereotactic septal nucleus lesions on dopamine D2 receptor expression in the brains of methylamphetamine-treated rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed in the Laboratory of General Institute of Psychosurgery, Third Hospital of Chinese PLA from November 2005 to June 2006. MATERIALS： A total of 120 healthy, adult Sprague Dawley rats, weighing approximately 200 g, were included. Methylamphetamine （Sigma, USA） and an in situ hybridization detection kit for dopamine D2 receptor （Boster, China） were also used for this study. METHODS： All rats were randomly allocated to the following 4 groups, with 30 rats in each group： normal control, simple administration, septal nucleus lesion, and sham-operated groups. In the normal control group, rats were not administered or lesioned. In the remaining 3 groups, rats were intraperitoneally administered 10 mg/kg methylamphetamine, once per day, for 15 successive days to establish a schizophrenia model. Following successful model establishment, rats from the septal nucleus lesion group were subjected to stereotactic septal nucleus lesions. The cranial bone was exposed in rats from the sham-operated group, and the septal nucleus was not lesioned. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： At 7 days post-surgery, dopamine D2 receptor expression in the prefrontal lobe, striatum, and brainstem were detected by in situ hybridization. RESULTS： Dopamine D2 receptor expression in the rat prefrontal lobe, striatum, and brainstem was significantly higher in the simple administration group and sham-operated group, compared with the normal control group （P 〈 0.01）. In the septal nucleus lesion group, dopamine D2 receptor expression was significantly less than the simple administration and sham-operated groups, （P 〈 0.01）. There was no significant difference in dopamine D2 receptor expression between the simple administration and sham-operated groups （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Septal nucleus lesions reduce dopamine D2 receptor expression in the prefrontal lobe, striatum, and brainstem in a rat model of schizophrenia, indicating that the septal nucleus modulates dopamine D2 receptor expression.

Identification and optimization of a potent and highly selective D3 dopamine receptor agonist

OBJECTIVE Dopamine receptors(DRs) are involved in the development and treatment of many neuropsychiatric disorders.Currently available dopaminergic drugs modulate both DRD2 and DRD3,leading to side effects and uncertainty as to the roles each DR subtype plays physiologically.Our lab employed high throughput screening paradigms to discover highly selective modulators for the DRD3.METHODS The NIH Molecular Libraries Program 400,000 + small molecule library was screened using the Discove Rx Path Hunter?β-arrestin assay for compounds that activate the DRD3 without effects on the DRD2.Confirmation and counter-screens assessed selectivity and mechanisms of action.We identified 62 potential agonists,and chose the most promising to perform a structure-activity relationship(SAR) study to increase potency while maintaining selectivity.The lead compound identified through this process,ML417,was also characterized using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer(BRET)-based β-arrestin recruitment and G-protein activation assays as well as p-ERK assays.Potential neuroprotective properties of this compound were assessed using a SHSY5 Y neuronal cell model.RESULTS ML417 displays potent,DRD3-selective agonist activity in multiple functional assays.Binding and functional GPCR screens(>165 receptors) show ML417 has limited cross-reactivity with other GPCRs.ML417 also displays superior(compared to the reference compound pramipexole),dose-dependent protection against a decrease in neurite length induced by 10 μmol·L^(-1) of the neurotoxin,6-hydroxydopamine,in the SHSY5 Y cell model.CONCLUSION We have discovered and characterized ML417,a potent and highly selective DRD3 agonist.This compound will be useful as a research tool,and may prove useful as a therapeutic drug lead.

Cell-type specific examination of central amygdala dopamine receptor 2 expressing neurons as a translational target for pharmacological enhancement of extinction

Behavioral and molecular characterization of cell-type specific populations governing fear learning and behavior is a promising avenue for the rational identification of potential therapeutics for fear-related disorders.Identification of cell-type specific changes in neuronal translation following fear learning allows for targeted pharmacological intervention during fear extinction learning,mirroring possible treatment strategies in humans.Here we identify the central amygdala(Ce A)Drd2-expressing population as a fear-supporting population that is molecularly distinct from other,previously identified fear-supporting CeA populations.Sequencing of actively translating transcripts of Drd2 neurons identifies m RNAs that are differentially regulated following fear learning including Npy5r,Rxrg,Sst5r,Fgf3,Erb B4,Fkbp14,Dlk1,Ssh3 and Adora2a.Direct pharmacological manipulation of NPY5R,RXR,and ADORA2A confirms their importance in fear behavior and validates the present approach of identifying pharmacological targets for the modulation of emotional learning.

Dopamine receptor D4 gene (DRD4) is associated with gazing toward humans in domestic dogs (<i>Canis familiaris</i>)

Dogs show high social communicative ability in interactions with humans. We investigated the association between dogs’ social communicative behavior and the polymorphisms of a gene related to a neurotransmitter. We used an “unsolvable task”, in which an experimenter put a food reward into a container and closed it firmly so that dogs could not remove the reward. Human-directed gazing, possibly to request help, is a characteristic behavioral trait of dogs in such situations. The association between owner-directed gazing behavior in the unsolvable task and polymorphisms of three regions (exon1, exon3, intron2) in the dopamine receptor D4 gene (DRD4) was analyzed. We found that the genotype of DRD4 intron2 was significantly associated with the dogs’ gazing behavior. Dogs carrying shorter allele (P) looked at their owner more frequently, for longer, and earlier than dogs carrying longer allele (Q). This result suggests that polymorphism in DRD4 intron2 may affect social communication and cognition in dogs.

PSD-95 regulates D1 dopamine receptor resensitization, but not receptor-mediated Gs-protein activation

The present study aims to define the role of postsynaptic density （PSD）-95 in the regulation of dopamine （DA） receptor function. We found that PSD-95 physically associates with either D1 or D2 DA receptors in co-transfected HEK-293 cells. Stimulation of DA receptors altered the association between D1 receptor and PSD-95 in a time-depen- dent manner. Functional assays indicated that PSD-95 co-expression did not affect DI receptor-stimulated cAMP pro- duction, Gs-protein activation or receptor desensitization. However, PSD-95 accelerated the recovery of internalized membrane receptors by promoting receptor recycling, thus resulting in enhanced resensitization of internalized D1 receptors. Our results provide a novel mechanism for regulating DA receptor recycling that may play an important role in postsynaptic DA functional modulation and synaptic neuroplasticity.

AB007. Visual signals modulate refractive error development through dopamine receptor signaling

Myopia prevalence is dramatically increasing in recent years and in cases in which the refractive error is greater than −6.00 D this disease can lead to severe visual impairment as well as even blindness. Changes in visual input affect the balance between ocular growth and refractive power development. If a mismatch occurs during eye development, the severity of this error affects the degree of myopia. In different animal models of this disease, we found that spatial visual stimuli are essential for maintaining a stable refractive status and normal vision. This is evident because the effects of changes in temporal visual stimuli (e.g., flickering light) on this process depend on whether spatial information is present or absent in the visual environment. Furthermore, the frequency, wavelength and intensity of light are involved in controlling refraction development. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying light-induced refraction changes are still unclear. There is definitive evidence that dopamine (DA) is one of the regulators of this process. This retinal neurotransmitter released by dopaminergic amacrine cells appears to play an important role in vision-guided eye growth because its synthesis and release are positively associated with the light intensity and spatial stimuli impinging on the retina. We found that bright light enhances retinal DA synthesis, and attenuates form deprivation myopia (FDM) development via activation of the dopamine receptor 1 (D1R). A nonselective DA receptor agonist apomorphine (APO) inhibited FDM in dopamine receptor 2 (D2R) knockout mice. These individual similar effects of DA and APO in wildtype and D2R knockout mice suggest that D1R activation has a protective effect against myopia development. On the other hand, D2R activation instead appears to promote myopia development because either genetic D2R ablation or pharmacological inactivation of D2R also attenuates myopia development. Based on these results, we hypothesize that the visual environment regulates the retinal DA levels, which in turn affects the relative balance between D1R and D2R activation. When D1R is relatively hyperactivated, the ocular refractive status shifts towards hyperopia. In contrast, such an effect on D2Rpromotes the refractive status to shift in the opposite direction towards myopia.