title: [Biochemical mechanism of action of neuroleptics (author's transl)].
abstract: This review is devoted to the analysis of the mechanism of action of neuroleptics. The effects of these compounds on cerebral dopaminergic transmission and on the metabolism of various neurotransmitters are reviewed. Ample evidence derived from behavioral, clinical and biochemical studies indicates that a diminution of cerebral dopaminergic transmission (due to a blockade of dopaminergic receptors) probably accounts for the therapeutic activity (as well as some side effects) of neuroleptics. The tubero-infundibular dopaminergic system appears to play a major role in the neuroendocrine side effects of neuroleptics. Blockade of striatal dopaminergic transmission may probably be accounted for the extrapyramidal side effects induced by these drugs. As suggested by various biochemical data obtained in both animals and humans, the meso-cortico-limbic dopaminergic system appears to be the anatomical substrate of the antipsychotic action of neuroleptics. Recent results also suggest a modulatory influence of the frontal cortex on neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal side effects. Finally, other cerebral neurotransmitters (noradrenaline, neuropeptides) might be involved in the mechanism of action of neuroleptic agents.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003342:Corpus Striatum / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008032:Limbic System / Q000187:drug effects; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects; D013378:Substantia Nigra / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine
vernacular_title: Modes d'action biochimiques des neuroleptiques.