Adolescent Maturation of Dopamine D1 and D2 Receptor Function and Interactions in Rodents.

ABSTRACT: Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by heightened vulnerability to illicit drug use and the onset of neuropsychiatric disorders. These clinical phenomena likely share common neurobiological substrates, as mesocorticolimbic dopamine systems actively mature during this period. Whereas prior studies have examined age-dependent changes in dopamine receptor binding, there have been fewer functional analyses. The aim of the present study was therefore to determine whether the functional consequences of D1 and D2-like activation are age-dependent. Adolescent and adult rats were given direct D1 and D2 agonists, alone and in combination. Locomotor and stereotypic behaviors were measured, and brains were collected for analysis of mRNA expression for the immediate early genes (IEGs),

SUBMITTER: Dwyer JB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4718668 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature