Abstract
Evidence has accumulated to implicate neuropeptides localized within midbrain dopamine neurons (cholecystokinin, neurotensin, acetylcholinesterase) in synoptic transmission, mental disease, and pharmacotherapy. We suggest a means by which antipsychotic drugs alter the dynamics between dopamine and colocalized peptides: the intrinsic ability of these agents to stimulate dopamine neuronal activity while blocking dopamine receptors modulates the ratio of catecholaminergic to peptidergic transmission within the meso-telencephalic system. Imbalances of peptide and dopamine cotransmission and their modulation by neuroleptics may be relevant to the pathogenesis and pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia.
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