In addition to its role as a neurotransmitter, dopamine can stimulate neurite outgrowth and
morphological effects upon primary neurons. To investigate the signal transduction
mechanisms used by dopamine in developing striatal neurons, we focused upon the effects
of activating the dopamine D1 receptor. Using the D1 receptor agonist SKF38393, we found
that Trk neurotrophin receptors were activated in embryonic day 18 striatal neurons. K-252a,
a Trk tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist could block the …