DOPAMINE-RECEPTORS - MOLECULAR-BIOLOGY, BIOCHEMISTRY AND BEHAVIORAL-ASPECTS

The description of new dopamine (DA) receptor subtypes, D1-(D1 and D5) and D2-like (D2A, D2B, D3, D4), has given an impetus to DA research. While selective agonists and antagonists are not generally available y et, the receptor distribution in the brain suggests that they could be new targets for drug development. Binding characteristics and second messenger coupling has been explored in cell lines expressing the new cloned receptors. The absence of selective ligands has meant that in v ivo studies have lagged behind. However, progress has been made in und erstanding the function of DA-containing discrete brain nuclei and the functional consequence of the DA's interaction with other neurotransm itters. This review explores some of the latest advances in these vari ous areas.