There is close agreement in the literature concerning the effect of specific and directly acting dopaminergic (DA) agonists and antagonists on acute barbiturate-induced responses; with DA agonists inhibiting and DA agonists potentiating these responses. On the other hand, there are presently no studies (and hence no evidence) regarding the effects of direct and specific alterations of DA receptor arousal on chronic barbiturate-induced tolerance or withdrawal. Concerning the effect of acute barbiturate administration on central dopaminergic responses; while some studies report no effect, there is some evidence that barbiturates block DA reuptake after their acute administration. This is consistent with and may explain findings that these drugs also decrease striatal DA turnover acutely, decrease DA concentration in synaptosomes, and decrease postsynaptic DA receptor arousal. In noting the potentia-tion of acute barbiturate-induced responses elicited by DA antagonists, it is interesting to observe that barbiturates and DA antagonists both apparently decrease receptor sensitivity and inhibit DA reuptake presynaptically. Moreover, the supersensitivity to DA agonists induced by chronic DA antagonist administration can be potentiated by barbiturates. Thus, barbiturates appear to block the arousal of postsynaptic DA receptors, though probably not those coupled to adenylate cyclase and, unlike neuroleptics, indirectly. It is likely that the inhibitory effect on DA receptor arousal exerted by barbiturates accounts for at least some of the central effects produced by these drugs.

Keywords:
Dopamine receptors, Barbiturates, Inhibition of receptor arousal, Indirect action (presynaptic)
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1983 S. Karger AG, Basel
1983
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.