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Dopamine Receptor Plasticity

Meaning

Dopamine Receptor Plasticity refers to the profound capacity of dopamine receptors, specifically the D1 through D5 subtypes, on neuronal membranes to undergo dynamic structural and functional changes in response to varying levels of dopamine stimulation or pharmacological intervention. This essential adaptability includes alterations in receptor density, intrinsic sensitivity, and intracellular signaling coupling within the central nervous system. This plasticity is fundamental to the physiological basis of learning, reward processing, sustained motivation, and the complex pathology of addiction.