MODULATION OF DOPAMINE RECEPTOR SENSITIVITY BY ESTROGEN

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 15  (3) , 389-396
Abstract
Postmenopausal females have the highest incidence of tardive dyskinesia, suggesting that loss of ovarian function may predispose them to this condition. Reports have indicated that estrogens could reduce abnormal movements in tardive dyskinesia. To test the effects of estrogen in an animal model of tardive dyskinesia, ovariectomized rats were treated daily for 16 days with haloperidol (Haldol, 0.5 mg/kg) or Haldol + estradiol benzoate (EB, 10 .mu.g/kg). Rats were then challenged with d-amphetamine or apomorphine 1 wk following cessation of the chronic treatments. Chronic treatments with either Haldol or EB alone produced an enhanced response to both d-amphetamine and apomorphine, while the combined treatment produced a synergistic response. Rats treated chronically with Haldol, and treated daily with EB following the Haldol treatment, showed an attenuation of drug-induced stereotypy. Estrogen may attenuate the development or mask the display of the supersensitive dopamine receptor.