Neuroanatomical targets of neuroleptic drugs as revealed by Fos immunochemistry.
Many physiologic and pharmacologic stimuli rapidly increase the expression in the central nervous system of immediate early genes such as c-fos. Immunohistochemical mapping of the protein product of c-fos gene expression (Fos) can be used to identify some of the individual neurons whose activities have been altered by such stimuli. This brief review describes the use of this strategy in identifying potential neuroanatomical targets of neuroleptic drugs. Among the most significant findings to date is the demonstration by several laboratories that the regional pattern of clozapine-induced c-fos expression differs significantly from that produced by typical neuroleptics such as haloperidol. Fos immunohistochemistry may be a rapid and reliable method for identifying new antipsychotic drugs that have a broader spectrum of therapeutic activity and reduced liabilities for producing extrapyramidal side effects.
Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Canada.
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Fibiger
D000818:Animals; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001552:Benzazepines / Q000494:pharmacology; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D003024:Clozapine / Q000494:pharmacology; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D017781:Genes, Immediate-Early / Q000187:drug effects*; D016762:Genes, fos; D016548:Prosencephalon / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D020891:Raclopride; D012457:Salicylamides / Q000494:pharmacology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001552:Benzazepines; D012457:Salicylamides; D020891:Raclopride; D003024:Clozapine