Posted by mila on October 5, 2001, at 2:49:14
In reply to Dopamine question, posted by geno on October 4, 2001, at 18:21:02
> Hi does anyone know the difference in the dopamine receptors D1 D2 etc, and what each receptor does? Does D1 receptor involved with cocaine and drug abuse, and d2 rec cause schizofreania symptoms? g
> genotry this
http://www.tocris.com/dopamine.htm
if it is too technical, here's a short answer to your question. Dopamine receptors had been numbered in order of their discovery. there are two families (D1 is similar to D5)and (D2,D3,D4 are similar to each other). receptors do not cause schizophrenia, but there is a theory that overstimulation of DA pathways mediates schizophrenia. Haloperidol (a potent antipsychotic drug)has a nearly 100-fold selectivity for D2 over D1 receptors. Usually drugs that relieve symptoms of schizophrenia tend to bind well to D2 receptors. the D2 receptor subtype is currently being connected to reward and reinforcement.
Cocaine and other stimulants, like amphetamines, do not bind to the dopamine receptors, they prolong the presence of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft by blocking their reuptake.
hope this helps
mila
poster:mila
thread:80289
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010927/msgs/80326.html