Kinetic studies of dopamine D2 receptor molecular pharmacology

The dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) found in the brain is the primary target for drugs used in the management of several neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia. However, these drugs are only effective for some symptoms and have multiple side effects. Therefore, this thesis focussed on increasing the understanding of the D2R to be able develop drugs for better symptom management with reduced side effects. Results included several new findings on how the D2R works, and a new molecular tool was developed to aid this. In combination, it is a step closer to improved drug design.