Sensitization versus tolerance to the dopamine turnover-elevating effects of haloperidol: the effect of regular/intermittent dosing

John G. Csernansky*, Elisabeth P. Bellows, Deborah E. Barnes, Leon Lombrozo

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recent clinical research suggests that particular patterns of changes in presynaptic dopamine (DA) turnover accompany the therapeutic response to neuroleptics. We sought to determine whether daily versus weekly dosing of haloperidol for 3 weeks produced distinct effects on DA, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and homovanillic acid (HVA) concentrations in multiple brain areas. Daily dosing favored the development of tolerance to the DA-turnover elevating effects of haloperidol in the striatum and nucleus accumbens. Weekly dosing favored the development of sensitization in the striatum, posterior olfactory tubercle, and ventral tegmental area. These results suggest that dosing schedules may determine, at least in part, the effects of chronic neuroleptic administration on presynaptic DA function.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)519-524
Number of pages6
JournalPsychopharmacology
Volume101
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1990

Keywords

  • Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid
  • Dopamine turnover
  • Homovanillic acid
  • Neuroleptic
  • Sensitization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology

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