Changes in the central dopaminergic systems in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The behavioral response, dopamine metabolism, and characteristics of dopamine subtypes after developing the hyperglycemia were studied in the striata of rats. In animals developed hyperglycemia, the on-set and duration of cataleptic behavior responded to SCH 23390 injection was delayed and shortened, respectively. However, the cataleptic responses to spiperone occurred significantly earlier in on-set and prolonged in duration. Dopamine metabolites, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), were significantly reduced in the striata of hyperglycemic rats. However, level of DA was significantly increased. It is noted that the ratios of DOPAC and HVA to DA were decreased, suggesting decreased turnover of DA. The affinity of striatal D-1 receptors was significantly increased without changes in the number of binding sites, while the maximum binding number of D-2 receptors was significantly increased without affecting its affinity in the diabetic rats. These results indicate that the dopaminergic activity in the striata was altered in hyperglycemic rats. Furthermore, it suggests that the upregulation of dopamine receptors might be due to the decreased dopamine metabolism.