The differences between the D2 and D3 receptors (risperidone binding)

The D2-like receptors include the D2, D3 and D4 subtypes. Each receptor subtype has its own set of pharmacological properties with different affinities of specific drugs for each subtype. Risperidone is a D2-like selective antagonist, binding to all three D2-like receptors. However, it has a higher affinity for the D2 receptor than for the D3 receptor. The new generation of antipsychotics, such as risperidone, have a high affinity for the D2 receptor subtype. These differences in affinities are of clinical significance, as the antipsychotic effects of these drugs are thought to be mediated by D2 receptor antagonism.

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References

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Drugs for the treatment of psychiatric disorders: Psychosis and mania. In: Goodman and Gilman’s the pharmacological basis of therapeutics. Eds Hardman JG, Limbird LE & Goodman Gilman A. USA, the McGraw-Hill Company Inc, 2001:485–520.