Blockade of subthalamic dopamine D1 receptors elicits akinesia in rats.

Abstract

The role of dopamine in the subthalamic nucleus to control motor behaviour was investigated in rats using bilateral microinfusions of the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 and the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist S(-)-sulpiride. Selective blockade of subthalamic D1 receptors, but not of D2 receptors, produced catalepsy. These findings suggest that dopamine D1 receptors within the subthalamic nucleus play a prominent role in the regulation of motor functions. Furthermore, the data point to the possibility that a reduced dopaminergic tone at subthalamic dopamine D1 receptors might contribute to akinesia in Parkinson's disease.

• Authors: W Hauber
• Journal: Neuroreport (Neuroreport) Vol. 9 Issue 18 Pg. 4115-8 (Dec 21 1998) ISSN: 0959-4965 [Print] England
• PMID: 9926857 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Benzazepines
• Dopamine Antagonists
• Dopamine D2 Receptor Antagonists
• Receptors, Dopamine D1
• Sulpiride

Topics

• Animals
• Benzazepines (pharmacology)
• Catalepsy (chemically induced)
• Dopamine Antagonists (pharmacology)
• Dopamine D2 Receptor Antagonists
• Male
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley
• Receptors, Dopamine D1 (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Stereoisomerism
• Sulpiride (pharmacology)
• Thalamic Nuclei (metabolism)