The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia: focus on the dopamine receptor

Am J Psychiatry. 1976 Feb;133(2):197-202. doi: 10.1176/ajp.133.2.197.

Abstract

Alleviation of schizophrenic symptoms by phenothiazines and butyrophenones is associated with blockade of dopamine receptors, while exacerbation of symptoms by amphetamines appears to result from enhanced synaptic activity of dopamine and/or norepinephrine. The author suggests that biochemical labeling of the dopamine receptor with 3H-dopamine and 3H-haloperidol may clarify mechanisms of drug effects on the dopamine receptor.

MeSH terms

  • Amphetamine / pharmacology
  • Amphetamine / toxicity
  • Butyrophenones / pharmacology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dopamine / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Models, Chemical
  • Phenothiazines / pharmacology
  • Psychoses, Substance-Induced / diagnosis
  • Receptors, Adrenergic* / drug effects
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy
  • Schizophrenia / metabolism*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Butyrophenones
  • Phenothiazines
  • Receptors, Adrenergic
  • Amphetamine
  • Dopamine