What has been learnt from study of dopamine receptors in Parkinson's disease?

Since the introduction of dopamine replacement therapy using L-3,4-dihydroxyphenyalanine (L-DOPA) to treat Parkinson's disease and the recognition of the problems associated with L-DOPA use, numerous studies have investigated dopamine receptor regulation and function in Parkinson's disease. These studies have provided insight into the pathological process of the disorder and the molecular consequences of chronic dopaminergic treatment, but they have been less successful in identifying new pharmacological targets or treatment regimes that are as effective as L-DOPA at alleviating the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This review will present a summary of the reported changes in dopamine receptor regulation and function that occur in Parkinson's disease and will discuss their contribution to the current pharmacological management of Parkinson's disease.