The dopamine D1-D2 receptor heteromer localizes in dynorphin/enkephalin neurons: increased high affinity state following amphetamine and in schizophrenia.

ABSTRACT: The distribution and function of neurons coexpressing the dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in the basal ganglia and mesolimbic system are unknown. We found a subset of medium spiny neurons coexpressing D1 and D2 receptors in varying densities throughout the basal ganglia, with the highest incidence in nucleus accumbens and globus pallidus and the lowest incidence in caudate putamen. These receptors formed D1-D2 receptor heteromers that were localized to cell bodies and presynaptic terminals. In rats, selective activation of D1-D2 heteromers increased grooming behavior and attenuated AMPA receptor GluR1 phosphorylation by calcium/calmodulin kinase IIα in nucleus accumbens, implying a role in reward pathways. D1-D2 heteromer sensitivity and functional activity was up-regulated in rat striatum by

SUBMITTER: Perreault ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2978591 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature