Preferential binding to dopamine D3 over D2 receptors by cariprazine in patients with schizophrenia using PET with the D3/D2 receptor ligand [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Second-generation antipsychotics occupy dopamine D2 receptors and act as antagonists or partial agonists at these receptors. While these drugs alleviate positive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, they are less effective for treating cognitive deficits and negative symptoms. Dopamine D3 receptors are highly expressed in areas of the brain thought to play a role in the regulation of motivation and reward-related behavior. Consequently, the dopamine D3 receptor has become a target for treating negative symptoms in combination with D2 antagonism to treat positive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the cariprazine receptor occupancies in brain for D2 and D3 receptors in patients with schizophrenia.

Met

SUBMITTER: Girgis RR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5035321 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature