The psychopharmacology-molecular biology interface: exploring the behavioural roles of dopamine receptor subtypes using targeted gene deletion (‘knockout’)

摘要: Abstract 1. In the absence of selective agonists and antagonists able to discriminate between individual members D1-like D2-like families dopamine receptor subtypes, functional parcellation has remained problematic. 2. ‘Knockout’ these subtypes by targeted gene deletion offers a new approach evaluating their roles in regulation behaviour. 3. Like any technique, ‘knockout’ associated with it number methodological limitations that are now being addressed systematic manner. 4. Studies on phenotype D1A/1, D1B/5, D2, D3 D4 ‘knockouts’ at level spontaneous agonist/antagonist-induced behaviour reviewed, terms issues, neuronal implications potential clinical relevance. 5. Dopamine subtype is nascent technology beginning fulfill its potential. It complemented more phenotypic characterisation additional, molecular biologically-based approaches.