Localization and function of the D3 dopamine receptor.

A novel dopamine receptor has been recently cloned, which differs from D 1 and D 2 receptors by its sequence, localization, pharmacology and possibly signalling system, hence its designation as D 3 receptor. The D 3 receptor cDNA was obtained by a combination of screenings of DNA libraries and PCR polymerase chain reaction experiments. It encodes a protein with a predicted structure consisting in 7 transmembrane domains indicating that it belongs to the G-protein coupled receptor family