No relationship between Taq1 a polymorphism of dopamine D(2) receptor gene and extrapyramidal adverse effects of selective dopamine D(2) antagonists, bromperidol, and nemonapride in schizophrenia: a preliminary study.

The relationship between Taq1 A polymorphism of dopamine D(2) receptor (DRD(2)) gene and extrapyramidal adverse effects of bromperidol and nemonapride, which are both antipsychotic drugs with selective and potent DRD(2) antagonistic property, was investigated in Japanese schizophrenic inpatients. Twenty-seven patients were treated with bromperidol at 6 or 12 or 18 mg/day, while 25 patients were treated with nemonapride at 18 mg/day. The duration of treatment was 3 weeks. The A1 and A2 alleles were determined by PCR. The extrapyramidal adverse effects were assessed by the Udvalg for Kliniske Unders¿ogelser side effects rating scale. Six patients were homozygous for the A1 allele, 27 were heterozygous for the A1 and A2 alleles, and 19 were homozygous for the A2 allele. There were no significant differences in the incidences or severity of extrapyramidal adverse effects between the patients with one or two A1 alleles and those with no A1 allele. The present study suggests that Taq1 A polymorphism is not related to the development of extrapyramidal adverse effects during acute phase of bromperidol and nemonapride treatments.