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US 2003/0118506 A1Published application
Gene encoding the rat dopamine D4 receptor
AssigneeWashington University
InventorsKaren L. O'Malley, Richard D. Todd
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AssigneeWashington University
InventorsKaren L. O'Malley, Richard D. Todd
Estimating the term…
A gene, flanking 5′ and 3′ sequences and derived cDNA encoding a rat D4 dopamine receptor that is predominantly located in the cardiovascular and retinal systems is disclosed. The cDNA has been expressed in transfected mammalian cells and demonstrated to preferentially bind dopamine antagonists such as clozapine. The cDNA is useful as a probe for related D4 dopamine receptors. Expressed in appropriate cell lines, it is useful as an in vitro screen for drugs which specifically bind to the receptor. Drugs that specifically bind to the receptor are then screened using standard methodology in rats, mice or dogs, for the physiological effects. Amino acids deduced from the determination of cDNA can be used to generate either polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies which recognize the D4 receptor sequence but do not recognize D1, A2, D3 or D5 donpamenergic receptors, for use in immunocytochemical studies, identification and isolation via flow sorting of D4 expressing cell types. Antibodies could also be used to block or modify the effects of D4 agonists and/or antagonists. It is also demonstrated that selective stimulation or inhibition of some dopamine receptors, including D4, can be used to induce changes in the morphology of cells such as neurons.
An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a rat D4 dopamine receptor.
A probe for dopamine receptors comprising at least fourteen contiguous nucleotides of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a rat D4 dopamine receptor as shown in Sequence ID No. 1.
A method for screening for compounds selectively binding to a rat D4 dopamine receptor comprising
A method for screening for compounds selectively acting on tissue selected from the group consisting of the cardiovascular and retinal systems by binding to dopamine receptors comprising
A method for altering the morphology of mammalian cells comprising stimulating or inhibiting a dopamine receptor selected from the group consisting of D2, D3, and D4 receptors.
An antibody immunoreactive with the rat D4 receptor.
A method for treating disorders of the cardiovasoulature or retinal tissue comprising administering a compound selectively binding to D4 receptors to a patient in need of treatment in an amount effect to decrease the symptoms of the disorder.
A method for treating disorders of neuronal morphology or connections comprising administering a compound selectively binding to D2, D3, or D4 receptors to a patient in need of treatment thereof in an amount effective to decrease the symptoms of the disorder.
A method for preventing the development of disorders of neuronal morphology or connections comprising administering a compound selectively binding to D2, D3, or D4 receptors to a patient at risk thereof in an amount effective to prevent or delay the onset of evidence of the disorder.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.