Fish oil improves motor function, limits blood-brain barrier disruption, and reduces Mmp9 gene expression in a rat model of juvenile traumatic brain injury.

The effects of an oral fish oil treatment regimen on sensorimotor, blood-brain barrier, and biochemical outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) were investigated in a juvenile rat model. Seventeen-day old Long-Evans rats were given a 15mL/kg fish oil (2.01g/kg EPA, 1.34g/kg DHA) or soybean oil dose via oral gavage 30min prior to being subjected to a controlled cortical impact injury or sham surgery, followed by daily doses for seven days. Fish oil treatment resulted in less severe hindlimb deficits after TBI as assessed with the beam walk test, decreased cerebral IgG infiltration, and decreased TBI-induced expression of the Mmp9 gene one day after injury. These results indicate that fish oil improved functional outcome after TBI resulting, at least in part from decreased disruption of the blood-brain barrier through a mechanism that includes attenuation of TBI-induced expression of Mmp9.

The dopamine D3/D2 agonist (+)-PD-128,907 [(R-(+)-trans-3,4a,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]benzopyrano[4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol)] protects against acute and cocaine-kindled seizures in mice: further evidence for the involvement of D3 receptors.

Previous findings have demonstrated a protective role for dopamine D(3)/D(2) receptor agonists in the convulsant and lethal effects of acutely administered cocaine. Data are provided here to establish that the protection occurs through a D(3)-linked mechanism and that protection is extended to seizure kindling. The D(3) antagonist SB-277011-A [4-quinolinecarboxamide,N-[trans-4-[2-(6-cyano-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-isoquinolinyl)ethyl]-cyclohexyl]-(9CI)] prevented the anticonvulsant effect of the D(3)/D(2) receptor agonist (+)-PD-128,907 [(R-(+)-trans-3,4a,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]benzopyrano[4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol)] on cocaine-induced seizures. The protection afforded by the D(3)/D(2) agonist, (+)-PD-128,907, was eliminated in D(3) receptor-deficient mice. In D(2) receptor knockout mice, the anticonvulsant effects of (+)-PD-128,907 were preserved. (+)-PD-128,907 also prevented the acquisition and expression of cocaine-kindled seizures engendered by repeated daily dosing with 60 mg/kg cocaine. (+)-PD-128,907 also blocked the seizures induced in mice fully seizure kindled to cocaine. Although repeated dosing with cocaine increased the potency of cocaine to produce seizures and lethality (decreased ED(50) values), daily coadministration of (+)-PD-128,907 significantly prevented this potency shift. In mice treated daily with cocaine and (+)-PD-128,907, the density, but not the affinity, of D(3) receptors was increased. The specificity with which (+)-PD-128,907 acts upon this cocaine-driven process was demonstrated by the lack of a significant effect of (+)-PD-128,907 on seizure kindling to a GABA(A) receptor antagonist, pentylenetetrazol. Taken together and with literature findings, the data indicate that dopamine D(3) receptors function in the initiation of a dampening mechanism against the toxic effects of cocaine, a finding that might have relevance to psychiatric disorders of drug dependence, schizophrenia, and bipolar depression.

C57BL/6J mice exhibit reduced dopamine D3 receptor-mediated locomotor-inhibitory function relative to DBA/2J mice.

Previous reports have identified greater sensitivity to the locomotor-stimulating, sensitizing, and reinforcing effects of amphetamine in inbred C57BL/6J mice relative to inbred DBA/2J mice. The dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) plays an inhibitory role in the regulation of rodent locomotor activity, and exerts inhibitory opposition to D1 receptor (D1R)-mediated signaling. Based on these observations, we investigated D3R expression and D3R-mediated locomotor-inhibitory function, as well as D1R binding and D1R-mediated locomotor-stimulating function, in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice. C57BL/6J mice exhibited lower D3R binding density (-32%) in the ventral striatum (nucleus accumbens/islands of Calleja), lower D3R mRNA expression (-26%) in the substantia nigra/ventral tegmentum, and greater D3R mRNA expression (+40%) in the hippocampus, relative to DBA/2J mice. There were no strain differences in DR3 mRNA expression in the ventral striatum or prefrontal cortex, nor were there differences in D1R binding in the ventral striatum. Behaviorally, C57BL/6J mice were less sensitive to the locomotor-inhibitory effect of the D3R agonist PD128907 (10 microg/kg), and more sensitive to the locomotor-stimulating effects of novelty, amphetamine (1 mg/kg), and the D1R-like agonist +/- -1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-(1H)-3-benzazepine-7,8,-diol hydrochloride (SKF38393) (5-20 mg/kg) than DBA/2J mice. While the selective D3R antagonist N-(4-[4-{2,3-dichlorphenyl}-1 piperazinyl]butyl)-2-fluorenylcarboxamide (NGB 2904) (0.01-1.0 mg/kg) augmented novelty-, amphetamine-, and SKF38393-induced locomotor activity in DBA/2J mice, it reduced novelty-induced locomotor activity in C57BL/6J mice. Collectively, these results demonstrate that C57BL/6J mice exhibit less D3R-mediated inhibitory function relative to DBA/2J mice, and suggest that reduced D3R-mediated inhibitory function may contribute to heightened sensitivity to the locomotor-stimulating effects of amphetamine in the C57BL/6J mouse strain. Furthermore, these data demonstrate that comparisons between C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mouse strains provide a model for elucidating the molecular determinants of genetic influence on D3R function.

Protection against cocaine toxicity in mice by the dopamine D3/D2 agonist R-(+)-trans-3,4a,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]benzopyrano[4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol [(+)-PD 128,907].

Cocaine abuse is a public health concern with seizures and death being one consequence of overdose. In the present study, dopamine D(3/)D(2) receptor agonists dose dependently and completely prevented the convulsant and lethal effects of cocaine. The D(3)-preferring agonists R-(+)-trans-3,4a,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]benzopyrano[4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol) [(+)-PD 128,907], (+)-7-hydroxy-dipropylaminotetralin, and the mixed D(3/)D(2) agonists quinpirole and quinelorane were all effective against cocaine toxicity in mice. The anticonvulsant effects of these compounds occurred at doses below those that produced motor impairment as assessed in the inverted screen test. Protection against the convulsant effects of the selective dopamine uptake inhibitor 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy] ethyl]-4-[3-phenyl-propyl]piperazine (GBR 12909) was also conferred by (+)-PD 128,907. The possible selectivity of the effects of (+)-PD 128,907 (3 mg/kg) for these dopaminergic compounds was demonstrated by its general lack of protective efficacy against a host of convulsants acting through other neural mechanisms [pentylenetetrazol, (+)-bicuculline, and picrotoxin, 4-aminopyridine, and t-butylbiclyclophosphoorothionate, N-methyl-d-aspartate, kainate, pilocarpine, nicotine, strychnine, aminophylline, threshold electric shock, and 6-Hz electrical stimulation]. Direct and correlational evidence suggests that these effects were mediated by D(3) receptors. Protection was stereospecific and reversible by an antagonist of D(3) receptors [3-[4[1-(4-[2[4-(3-diethyamino-propoxy)-phenyl]-benzoimidazol-l-yl]-butyl)-1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl]-phenoxy]-propyl)-diethyl-amine; PD 58491] but not D(2) receptors [3[[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4 hydroxypipeidin-1-yl]methyl-1H-indole; L-741,626]. Anticonvulsant potencies were positively associated with potencies in a functional assay of D(3) but not D(2) receptor function. Together, these findings suggest that the prevention of cocaine convulsions and lethality by (+)-PD 128,907 may be due to D(3) receptor-mediated events.

D(3) dopamine receptors in rat spinal cord: implications for sensory and motor function.

Quantitative autoradiography was used to determine the distribution of D(3) receptors in rat spinal cord and compare it with the distribution of D(1)-like and D(2) (and D(4)) receptors. [(3)H]PD 128907-labeled D(3) sites were observed in roughly 6-fold lower density than [(3)H]spiperone-labeled D(2) (D(4)) sites and 60-fold lower density than [(3)H]SCH 23390-labeled D(1)-like sites. Highest densities of D(3) binding were observed in the superficial layers of the dorsal horn at cervical and lumbar levels followed by the pars centralis and dorsal horn. Lowest densities of D(3) sites were detected in the ventral horn. These observations suggest that spinal D(3) receptors may play a role in sensory and/or motor function or contribute to the pharmacological effects of dopaminergic drugs.

Modulation of [3H]quinpirole binding at striatal D2 dopamine receptors by a monoamine oxidaseA-like site: evidence from radioligand binding studies and D2 receptor- and MAO(A)-deficient mice.

[3H]Quinpirole is a dopamine agonist with high affinity for the D2 and D3 dopamine receptors. A variety of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) inhibit equilibrium binding of [3H]quinpirole binding in rat striatal membranes suggesting that MAOIs interact with a novel binding site that is labeled by [3H]quinpirole or that allosterically modulates [3H]quinpirole binding. To determine whether the D2 receptor is essential for [3H]quinpirole binding and/or modulation of [3H]quinpirole binding by MAOIs, D2 receptor-deficient mice were studied. [3H]Quinpirole binding was decreased in D2 receptor-deficient mice to 3% of that observed in wild-type controls indicating that [3H]quinpirole binding is associated with the D2 dopamine receptors. Then, in an attempt to label the site mediating the modulation of [3H]quinpirole binding, binding of the MAOI [3H]Ro 41-1049 was characterized in rat striatal membranes. [3H]Ro-41-1049 labeled a single binding site with a pharmacological profile with respect to MAOIs that was similar to both [3H]quinpirole binding (Spearman r=0.976) and MAO(A) activity. To determine whether MAO(A) plays a role in the modulation of [3H]quinpirole binding by MAOIs, MAO(A)-deficient mice were examined. In these mice, [3H]Ro-41-1049 binding was decreased to 7% of wild-type control. [3H]Spiperone binding was unaltered. Spiperone-displaceable [3H]quinpirole binding was decreased to 43% of wild-type control; however, the remaining [3H]quinpirole binding in MAO(A)-deficient animals was inhibited by Ro 41-1049 similar to wild-type. [3H]Ro-41-1049 binding was not decreased in D2 receptor-deficient mice. These data suggest that [3H]Ro-41-1049 labels multiple sites and that MAOIs modulate [3H]quinpirole binding to the D2 receptor via interactions at a novel, non-MAO binding site with MAO(A)-like pharmacology.

Pharmacology of quinpirole-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding: discrepancy with receptor binding profile.

Functional consequences of receptor stimulation by quinpirole, a dopamine D(2)-like receptor agonist, were assessed using agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding in rat striatal membranes. Dopamine receptor antagonists inhibited quinpirole-stimulated [35SCH 23390 (R(+)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4, 5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine), consistent with a dopamine D(2)-like profile. In contrast, the monoamine oxidase inhibitors Ro 41-1049 (N-(2-aminoethyl)-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-thiazolecarboxemide), and (+)- and (-)-deprenyl, which inhibit [3H]quinpirole binding, had no effect on agonist-independent or quinpirole-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding. Clorgyline inhibited [35S]GTPgammaS binding by a non-dopamine D(2) receptor-mediated mechanism. These findings demonstrate a notable discrepancy between the pharmacological profile of [3H]quinpirole binding and quinpirole-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding.

Increased levels of proneurotensin/neuromedin N mRNA in rat striatum and nucleus accumbens induced by 7-OH-DPAT and nafadotride.

The D3 dopamine receptor has been proposed as a potential antipsychotic site. In this study, the effects of the D3-preferring compounds 7-OH-DPAT and nafadotride on levels of proneurotensin/neuromedin N (proNT/N) were assessed. Adult, male, Sprague-Dawley rats were injected subcutaneously (s.c.) with the agonist 7-OH-DPAT (0.1 mg/kg) or antagonist nafadotride (1 mg/kg) at doses previously shown to produce negligible occupancy of D2 receptors in vivo. As a positive control, an additional group of animals was treated with haloperidol (3 mg/kg, s.c.). ProNT/N mRNA levels were determined by in situ hybridization. 7-OH-DPAT increased proNT/N mRNA in the nucleus accumbens shell. Nafadotride increased proNT/N mRNA levels in the nucleus accumbens shell and dorsomedial caudate nucleus to levels comparable to those produced by haloperidol. Nafadotride also increased proNT/N mRNA in the anterior and dorsal caudate but to a lesser extent than haloperidol. These data indicate that 7-OH-DPAT and nafadotride increase proNT/N mRNA levels in brain areas affected by antipsychotic drugs and suggest that the D3 receptor may regulate proNT/N mRNA expression in the nucleus accumbens shell.

Alterations in local cerebral glucose utilization produced by D3 dopamine receptor-selective doses of 7-OH-DPAT and nafadotride.

The D3 dopamine receptor, localized primarily in limbic brain areas, is a potential antipsychotic site. The effects of D3 receptor stimulation or blockade on neuronal activity were determined using the [14C]-2-deoxyglucose method. Freely-moving, adult, male, Sprague-Dawley rats were injected s.c. with saline, agonist 7-hydroxy-diphenylaminotetralin (7-OH-DPAT) (0.1 mg/kg), or antagonist l-nafadotride (1 mg/kg). These doses of 7-OH-DPAT and l-nafadotride are behaviorally active and are 10-fold lower than a dose producing significant in vivo occupancy of D2 receptors. The [14C]-2-deoxyglucose procedure was initiated 30 min after the administration of the test compound. The rate of local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) was determined by quantitative autoradiography. 7-OH-DPAT produced a significant increase in LCGU in the substantia nigra. l-Nafadotride produced significant increases in LCGU in several brain areas including the lateral preoptic area, lateral habenula, caudate, septal area, entorhinal cortex, and some thalamic and hypothalamic areas. These observations indicate that stimulation or blockade of D3 receptors alters LCGU and that produces a unique pattern of alterations in LCGU suggestive of potential antipsychotic activity.

Inhibition of [3H]quinpirole binding by a monoamine oxidase inhibitor in subcellular fractions of rat striatum.

[3H]Quinpirole is a dopamine agonist with high affinity for D2-like dopamine receptors. A number of non-dopaminergic compounds, most notably monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), inhibit the binding of [3H]quinpirole, but not other D2-like agonists and antagonists, in rat striatal membranes by a mechanism that does not involve the enzymatic activity of MAO. To further characterize this novel interaction, the subcellular distribution of spiperone-displaceable, "D2-like" [3H]quinpirole-labeled sites in rat striatum was assessed and compared with the distribution of MAOI-displaceable [3H]quinpirole binding (MQB). "D2-like" [3H]quinpirole binding exhibited similar nanomolar affinity in the crude synaptosomal (P2), crude microsomal (P3), and ribosomal, post-microsomal (P4) fractions. Total binding activity (fmol bound/fraction) of "D2-like" [3H]quinpirole binding was concentrated in the synaptosomal fraction (P2B). The subcellular distribution of MQB paralleled that of "D2-like" [3H]quinpirole binding. This suggests that "D2-like" [3H]quinpirole binding and MQB occur at a common membrane-bound binding site.

Differential distribution of D3 dopamine receptors in the brains of several mammalian species.

The D3 dopamine receptor has been proposed as a potential target for the treatment of schizophrenia and drug abuse. This study compares the distribution of D3 sites in mouse, rat, guinea pig, and rabbit brain, and dog and human cerebellum using quantitative autoradiography with the putatively selective D3 receptor radioligand [3H]PD 128907. In the mouse, rat, guinea pig, and rabbit, specific [3H]PD 128907 binding was heterogeneously distributed with highest densities observed in the islands of Calleja, followed by the nucleus accumbens. Moderate densities of [3H]PD 128907 binding were observed in the anteroventral and dorsomedial caudate nucleus. Dense [3H]PD 128907-labelled sites were observed in the dorsal thalamus, posterior mamilliary nucleus, and dorsomedial interpeduncular nucleus of the rabbit that were not detected in the other species studied. Moderately dense []PD 128907 binding was also observed in the molecular layer of cerebellar lobule X of the rat but not in the mouse, guinea pig, rabbit, dog, or human. These observations indicate significant inter-species differences in the distribution of D3 receptors.

Comparison of D2 and D3 dopamine receptor affinity of dopaminergic compounds in rat brain.

This study used quantitative autoradiography to simultaneously evaluate the relative affinities of dopaminergic compounds for dopamine D2 and D3 receptors in rat brain. PD 152255, PD 128907, and l-nafadotride exhibited significantly higher affinity for cerebellar dopamine D3 sites than [3H]quinpirole-labeled sites in caudate/putamen (6.3-, 6.0-, and 2.3-fold, respectively). In contrast, chlorpromazine, risperidone, and domperidone were more potent at striatal dopamine D2 receptors (3.8-, 31-, and 40-fold, respectively). Dopamine, quinelorane, (+)-UH 232, and RS-trans-7-OH-PIPAT exhibited relatively little D2/D3 selectivity.

Binding of [3H]PD 128907, a putatively selective ligand for the D3 dopamine receptor, in rat brain: a receptor binding and quantitative autoradiographic study.

[3H]PD 128907 has been proposed as a selective ligand for the D3 dopamine receptor. This study characterizes the binding of this radioligand in rat brain using in vitro radioligand binding and autoradiographic methods. In radioligand binding studies, [3H]PD 128907 exhibited 0.3 nmol/L affinity for a single, low density site in ventral striatal membranes. The pharmacological profile for [3H]PD 128907 was similar to that of [3H](+)-7-OH-DPAT with the rank order of potency for dopamine agonists being PD 128907 approximately 7-OH-DPAT approximately quinpirole > or = dopamine; for antagonists, spiperone > (+)-butaclamol approximately domperidone > or = haloperidol > SCH 23390. Guanyl nucleotides had no effect on the binding of either ligand. These observations indicate labeling of a dopaminergic site with characteristics consistent with the D3 receptor. In autoradiographic studies, highest densities of [3H]PD 128907-labeled sites were observed in islands of Calleja followed by the nucleus accumbens, nucleus of the horizontal limb of the diagonal band, the molecular layer of cerebellar lobule X, and the ventral caudate/putamen.

The D3 dopamine receptor in cellular and organismal function.

The D3 dopamine receptor is a member of the family of D2-like dopamine receptors. Since the cloning and identification of the D3 receptor in 1990, considerable progress has been made towards understanding the function of this novel site. Although some avenues of investigation have yielded more definitive results than others, studies to date indicate the D3 receptor is localized preferentially in limbic brain areas and affects locomotion and perhaps reinforcement and reward. A subpopulation of the receptors appear to be autoreceptors which modulate dopamine synthesis, release, and neuronal activity. These observations have led to the hypothesis that the D3 receptor may be an appropriate target in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and drug addiction. The role of D3 sites in disease, however, remains to be established. Genetic association of D3 receptor polymorphisms with neuropsychiatric disorders have been proposed. Alterations in expression of D3 sites may occur in some diseases. Although the study of this receptor is clearly in the early stages, these findings lay the foundation for future investigation. In this review, dopamine D3 receptor brain localization, cellular signaling mechanisms, and associated behavior will be discussed. The potential role of the D3 site in neuropsychiatric disorders and as a therapeutic target is also addressed.

In vivo occupancy of D2 dopamine receptors by nafadotride.

Nafadotride has been proposed as a selective antagonist for the D3 dopamine receptor. This drug has been shown to exhibit selectivity between D2 and D3 dopamine receptors in in vitro assay systems; however, the in vivo D2/D3 selectivity of the compound has not been determined. In this study, protection against inactivation by EEDQ was used as a measure of in vivo occupancy of D2 receptors by behaviorally relevant doses of nafadotride (0.1-10 mg/kg, s.c. and i.p.) in adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats. Ex vivo [3H]spiperone binding was then determined in striatal membranes, l-Nafadotride (10 mg/kg) protected 71% of D2 receptors after s.c. administration; 40% after i.p. administration. Protection of 13% of D2 receptors was observed at a dose of 3 mg/kg (s.c.). These data suggest that blockade of D2 receptors contributes to the pharmacological effects of nafadotride when administered at doses above 1 mg/kg (s.c.) or 3 mg/kg (i.p.).

In vivo occupancy of D2 dopamine receptors by 7-OH-DPAT.

7-OH-DPAT has been shown to exhibit selectivity between D2 and D3 dopamine receptors in a variety of in vitro assay systems. Although the drug has been used in a variety of studies to evaluate the behavioral effects of D3 receptor stimulation, the in vivo D2/D3 selectivity of the compound has not been determined. In this study, protection against inactivation by EEDQ was used as a measure of in vivo occupancy of D2 receptors by behaviorally relevant doses of 7-OH-DPAT (0.03-10 mg/kg, s.c.) in adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats. Ex vivo [3H]spiperone binding was then determined in striatal membranes. 7-OH-DPAT protected against inactivation of D2 receptors with an ED50 value of 11 mg/kg. Significant protection of D2 receptors was observed at doses of 1 mg/kg and above. These data suggest that stimulation of D2 receptors contributes to the pharmacological effects of 7-OH-DPat when administered at doses above 0.3 mg/kg (s.c.).

Modulation of [3H]quinpirole binding in brain by monoamine oxidase inhibitors: evidence for a potential novel binding site.

[3H]Quinpirole is a dopamine agonist with high affinity for the D2 and D3 dopamine receptor subtypes. A variety of drugs, most notably monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOls), inhibit the binding of [3H]quinpirole, but not [3H]spiperone or [3H](-)N-n-Propylnorapomorphine, in rat striatal membranes by a mechanism that does not appear to involve the enzymatic activity of MAO. This study extends the characterization of MAOI-displaceable [3H]quinpirole binding in rat brain. Clinically antidepressant MAOIs exhibited selectivity between sites labeled by [3H]quinpirole and [3H]spiperone as did a number of structurally related propargylamines and N-acylethylenediamine derivatives and other drugs such as debrisoquin and phenylbiguanide. The MAOIs clorgyline and Ro 41-1049 were the most potent. Anti-depressant MAOIs inhibited [3H]quinpirole binding with the following rank order of potency: phenelzine > pargyline > tranyl-cypromine > isocarboxazid > nialamide > moclobemide. In striatal membranes, MAOI Ro 41-1049 inhibited [3H]quinpirole binding with similar potency at a variety of incubation temperatures (4-37 degrees C), assay tissue concentrations (5-20 mg original wet weight/ml), and time points (2 min-4 hr) and in the presence or absence of K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ ions, ascorbate, EDTA and NaCl. The regional distribution of Ro 41-1049-displaceable [3H]quinpirole binding in brain paralleled that of D2-like receptors. These data suggest that MAOIs interact with a novel binding site that is labeled by [3H]quinpirole or that modulates [3H]quinpirole binding. This site may be associated with D2-like dopamine receptors.

Differential sensitivity of [3H]7-OH-DPAT-labeled binding sites in rat brain to inactivation by N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline.

The effects of alkylating agent N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) on the binding of [3H]7-OH-DPAT, a ligand for the D3 dopamine receptor, were assessed in ventral striatal (n. accumbens and olf. tubercle) membranes of adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats. [3H]Spiperone binding to D2-like receptors in striatal membranes was also assayed as a positive control. In vitro, EEDQ was equipotent in inactivating [3H]7-OH-DPAT- and [3H]spiperone-labeled binding sites. In vitro, [3H]spiperone binding was rapidly eliminated in a dose-dependent manner following EEDQ administration. In contrast, [3H]7-OH-DPAT binding was not significantly altered by any dose of the alkylating agent at any time point examined. Depletion of endogenous catecholamines with alpha-methyltyrosine and reserpine revealed a second, higher affinity binding site for [3H]7-OH-DPAT. Administration of EEDQ in catecholamine-depleted animals reduced [3H]7-OH-DPAT labels two distinct populations of binding binding sites in rat brain membranes, only one of which is susceptible to inactivation by EEDQ. These sites may represent high and low affinity states of the D3 receptor. In addition, this discovery may provide a useful method for examining the function of some D3 receptors in brain independent of other monoaminergic systems.

Relative affinities of dopaminergic drugs at dopamine D2 and D3 receptors.

Quantitative autoradiography was used to evaluate the pharmacological profile of dopamine D2-like receptors labeled by [125I]iodosulpiride. Caudate/putamen, a brain region associated primarily with dopamine D2 receptor mRNA, was used as a prototypical D2 tissue; cerebellar lobule X (D3 mRNA associated), as a D3 tissue. 7-OH-DPAT ((+/-)-2-dipropylamino-7-hydroxy-1,2,3,4- tetrahydronaphthalene) exhibited selectively for cerebellar receptors (24-fold), followed by quinpirole (6-fold). Haloperidol and domperidone were 4- and 18-fold more potent at striatal receptors, respectively. These data are in close agreement with that derived from dopamine D2 and D3 receptor-expressing cell lines.