Inhibition of specific adenylyl cyclase isoforms by lithium and carbamazepine, but not valproate, may be related to their antidepressant effect.

Objectives: Lithium, valproate, and carbamazepine decrease stimulated brain cyclic-AMP (cAMP) levels. Adenylyl cyclase (AC), of which there are nine membrane-bound isoforms (AC1-AC9), catalyzes the formation of cAMP. We have recently demonstrated preferential inhibition of AC5 by lithium.

Lithium preferentially inhibits adenylyl cyclase V and VII isoforms.

Lithium ions' inhibition of adenylyl cyclase (AC) has not been previously studied for the newly discovered AC isoforms. COS7 cells were transfected with each of the nine membrane-bound AC isoforms cDNAs with or without D1- or D2-dopamine receptor cDNA. AC activity was measured as [3H]cAMP accumulation in cells pre-incubated with [3H]adenine followed by incubation with phosphodiesterase inhibitors together with either the D1 agonist SKF-82958 alone, or forskolin, in the presence or absence of the D2 agonist quinpirole.

Possible involvement of post-dopamine D2 receptor signalling components in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.

Par-4 has been suggested to mediate dopamine neurotransmission. Dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) activation induces a signalling complex of AKT1, PP2A and beta-arrestin2 which dephosphorylates/inactivates AKT1 thereby activating GSK-3beta, transducing dopamine-dependent behaviour. DRD2 activation also results in down-regulation of PKA activity.