Dopamine is an endogenous catecholamine that influences many cellular activities, including behavior, hormone synthesis and release, blood pressure and intracellular ion transport. A family of at least 5 Dopamine Receptors (DR) genes, D1-D5, have been identified based upon the aa identity, pharmacological specificity and effector responses. DR have been classified into either the D1-like (D1, D1B, and D5) or D2-like (D2, D3, and D4). The two isoforms of D2R, D2 long (D2L) and short D2S), are encoded by splice variants of a single gene and differ only by the presence of an additional 29aa in the intracellular domain 3 of the D2 long form. It may play a role in the coupling of the receptor to G- proteins. All members of this family have similar structure and contain 7 putative transmembrane domains. A given cell or tissue may express more than one DR. Specific radioligands do not exist that can differentiate between these DR. Therefore, specific antibodies are needed to distinguish, localize, and document changes in DR levels in cells and tissues under various normal and pathological conditions.
Intended for research use only. Not for use in human, therapeutic, or diagnostic applications.