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Increase of dopamine D2 High receptors in the striatum of rats sensitized to caffeine motor effects
Author(s) -
Simola Nicola,
Morelli Micaela,
Seeman Philip
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
synapse
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.809
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1098-2396
pISSN - 0887-4476
DOI - 10.1002/syn.20507
Subject(s) - dopamine , caffeine , dopamine receptor d2 , striatum , dopamine receptor , chemistry , receptor , medicine , endocrinology , neurotransmission , pharmacology , neuroscience , psychology
It has been previously demonstrated how rats can develop behavioral dopamine supersensitivity after long‐term administration of caffeine. Since behavioral dopamine supersensitivity in rats is usually accompanied by an elevation in striatal dopamine D2 High receptors, we examined whether alterations in D2 High receptors occurred in the striatum of rats administered caffeine according to a regimen capable of eliciting behavioral dopamine supersensitivity (15 mg/kg i.p. every other day for 14 days). An increase of 126% in striatal D2 High receptors was found in caffeine‐sensitized rats. This marked elevation in D2 High receptors may account for the caffeine‐induced behavioral dopamine supersensitivity and may help elucidate the interactions between caffeine and dopamine neurotransmission. Synapse 62:394–397, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.