Dopamine Receptor Pharmacology
Dopamine receptor families (D1-like: D₁, D₅ vs D2-like: D₂, D₃, D₄) & their signalling · Synthesis, storage, reuptake (DAT) & metabolism · The four dopaminergic pathways (nigrostriatal, mesolimbic, mesocortical, tuberoinfundibular) & clinical correlates · Agonists (dopamine, fenoldopam, bromocriptine, pramipexole, ropinirole, apomorphine) & antagonists (typical/atypical antipsychotics, antiemetics) · Therapeutic uses, EPS & hyperprolactinaemia · Indian context
Past RGUHS + DNB + MPMSU · 4
DNBJun '21
RGUHSApr '06
MPMSU2006
MPMSU2003
Introduction
- Dopamine (DA) — a catecholamine neurotransmitter (catechol + ethylamine side chain), the predominant catecholamine in the CNS and the immediate biosynthetic precursor of noradrenaline and adrenaline.
- Five GPCR subtypes, two subfamilies — DA acts on five distinct G protein-coupled receptors — D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 — grouped on structural, signalling and pharmacological grounds into D1-like (D1, D5) and D2-like (D2, D3, D4).
- DA does not cross the BBB — a polar molecule with no central effect when given parenterally — hence Parkinson's disease (PD) is treated with the BBB-permeant precursor l-DOPA (levodopa), not DA itself.
- Therapeutic reach — DA-receptor drugs are central to PD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, hyperprolactinaemia, restless leg syndrome, nausea/vomiting, and shock/heart failure — one of the highest-yield CNS topics.
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Dopamine Receptor Pharmacology
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