The Sound of Evolution
Thioridazine
Mechanism of action:
Thioridazine is a multi-receptor antagonist. Thioridazine antagonizes dopamine D₂ receptors in the mesolimbic pathway, thereby reducing positive symptoms caused by excessive dopamine activity. It also antagonizes muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, which helps reduce extrapyramidal symptoms caused by D₂ receptor blockade.
Reference(s):
1. Seeman P et al. (1990). Atypical neuroleptics: role of multiple receptors, endogenous dopamine, and receptor linkage. Acta Psychiatr Scand Suppl.
2. Assie MB et al. (1993). Biphasic displacement of [3H]YM-09151-2 binding in the rat brain by thioridazine, risperidone and clozapine, but not by other antipsychotics. Eur J Pharmacol.
3. Dimpfel W et al. (1992). Different neuroleptics show common dose and time dependent effects in quantitative field potential analysis in freely moving rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl).