The role of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors of the rat nucleus accumbens in immunostimulation

摘要

The analysis of the immune response changes in Wistar rats has shown that bilateral electrolytic lesions of the nucleus accumbens characterized by a high density of D1 an D2 dopamine (DA) receptors resulted in a decrease of the immune response to SRBC. Administration of selective agonists of D1 and D2 DA receptors to sham-operated animal: 20 mg/kg of SKF 38393 or 1.0 mg/kg of quinpirol, respectively, produced significant enhancement of plaque- and rosette-formation. However, the immune response level in the damaged rats did not increase following quinpirol administration, but was maintained at control values, rather. At the same time, activation of D1 DA receptors in rats with destructed nucleus accumbens did not affect the immune response level as compared to that of sham-operated animals receiving SKF 38393. The data obtained give evidence of involvement of D2 DA receptors of the nucleus accumbens in immunomodulation, although D2 DA receptors of other brain structures may also contribute to this process. D1 DA receptors of this localization seem not to play any important role in the immune response control. nauk