The dopamine D2 receptor: new surprises from an old friend

Neuron. 2005 Aug 4;47(3):335-8. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2005.07.015.

Abstract

Drugs acting at dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) are commonly used to alleviate symptoms produced by diseases such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and depression. A limitation to the use of these drugs is that they sometimes afflict patients with severe side effects. This review discusses recent evidence for several proteins that represent novel mediators of the downstream consequences of D2R activation, since selective targeting of particular D2R-mediated signaling pathways could lead to the development of improved treatments for these devastating diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy
  • Mental Disorders / metabolism*
  • Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy
  • Nervous System Diseases / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2 / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Receptors, Dopamine D2