Aripiprazole, a novel antipsychotic agent: Dopamine D₂ receptor partial agonist

Abstract

It is obvious that DA is an important neurotransmitter in vivo. It is involved in a variety of physiological processes such as mental processes, motor function and hormone regulation. In this context, it is quite understandable that a DA D₂ receptor antagonist that inhibits the DA D₂ receptor regardless of the state of activity of dopaminergic neurotransmission and inhibit the physiological function of DA can have a variety of adverse effects. In contrast to DA D₂ antagonists, aripiprazole acts as an antagonist at the DA D₂ receptor in the state of excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission, while it acts as an agonist at the DA D₂ receptor in the state of low dopaminergic neurotransmission, and thus attempts to bring the state of dopaminergic neurotransmission to normal. This activity of aripiprazole to regulate dopaminergic neurotransmission is physiologically reasonable, and can be regarded as a stabilizing effect, for which aripiprazole is called a dopamine system stabilizer J. Med. Invest. 52 Suppl.: 284-290, November, 2005