Effects of haloperidol on the expression of lymphocyte dopamine receptor mRNAs in the rat.
1. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to investigate the effects of haloperidol treatment (1 mg/kg/day for 2, 7 or 21 consecutive days) on the expression of D1B and D3 dopamine receptor mRNAs in the rat lymphocytes. 2. The expression of D1B receptor mRNA was significantly decreased after 2 days of treatment and progressively returned toward basal values at the end of treatment. Conversely, haloperidol failed to modify the expression of lymphocyte D3 receptor mRNA. 3. These results indicate short-lasting dynamic changes of expression of lymphocyte D1B dopamine receptor mRNA by haloperidol and suggest that the effects of dopamine and dopaminergic drugs on the immune system might be mediated, at least in part, by direct interaction of these substances with dopamine receptors on lymphocyte membrane.
Caronti
B
B
Department of Neuroscience, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Passarelli
F
F
Calderaro
C
C
Palladini
G
G
Pontieri
F E
FE
D000818:Animals; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002375:Catalepsy / Q000139:chemically induced; D017931:DNA Primers; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D017447:Receptors, Dopamine D1 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D050637:Receptors, Dopamine D3; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013997:Time Factors
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D017931:DNA Primers; C493595:Drd3 protein, rat; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine; D017447:Receptors, Dopamine D1; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2; D050637:Receptors, Dopamine D3; D006220:Haloperidol