Role of the dopamine transporter in mediating the neuroleptic-induced reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive midbrain neurons

We have previously reported a long-term downregulation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons following treatment with neuroleptic medications. The mechanism of this effect is not clear. The dopamine transporter (DAT) has been shown to play a role in the behavioural and biochemical action of neurotoxins such as 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). We postulated a role for the DAT in mediating the changes induced by neuroleptic (i.e., …