Down-regulation of central dopamine receptors in schizophrenia

F. P. Zemlan, R. J. Hitzemann, J. Hirschowitz, D. L. Garver

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

CSF homovanillic acid (HVA) levels reflecting central dopamine release and apomorphine stimulated human growth hormone (HGH) secretion reflecting central dopamine receptor activity were concomitantly determined in 20 schizophrenic patients. There was a strong negative correlation between HVA and HGH levels: high dopamine release was associated with lower HGH responses to dopamine receptor activation by apomorphine. Studies are reviewed which suggest that the presently observed relationship reflects release-mediated down-regulation of central D2 receptors, the dopamine receptor subtype associated with the antipsychotic properties of neuroleptic medication.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1334-1337
Number of pages4
JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry
Volume142
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 1985
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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