Ultra ‐high‐field pharmacological functional MRI of dopamine D1 receptor‐related interventions in anesthetized rats

Dopamine D1 receptor manipulation induced BOLD signal changes in anesthetized rat brain which detected using pharmacological functional MRI. D1-like receptor agonist increased, while the antagonist decreased the BOLD signal intensity in the striatum, thalamus, and cerebellum. Pharmacological functional MRI can be used for assessment of dopamine receptors-related neurophysiological actions in live animals. AbstractThe dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) is associated with schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Although the receptor is considered a therapeutic target for these diseases, its neurophysiological function has not been fully elucidated. Pharmacological functional MRI (phfMRI) has been used to evaluate regional brain hemodynamic changes induced by neurovascular coupling resulting from pharmacological interventions, thus phfMRI studies can be used to help understand the neurophysiological function of specific receptors. Herein, the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal changes associated with D1R action in anesthetized rats was investigated by using a preclinical ultra-high-field 11.7-T MRI scanner. PhfMRI was performed before and after administration of the D1-like receptor agonist (SKF82958), antagonist (SCH39166), or physiological saline subcutaneously. Compared to saline, the D1-agonist induced a BOLD signal increase in the striatum, thalamus, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. At the same time, the D1-antagonist reduced...
Source: Pharmacology Research and Perspectives - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research