Restoration of glutamatergic transmission by dopamine D4 receptors in stressed animals

Abstract

Background: The dopamine D4 receptors in prefrontal cortex (PFC) play a key role in mental health and disorders. Results: D4 activation caused a bi-directional, homeostatic regulation of glutamatergic responses in rats exposed to acute or chronic stress. Conclusion: The altered synaptic excitation in stress conditions is restored by D4 signaling in PFC. Significance: It provides a potential mechanism for the role of D4 in stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.