Estrogen treatment increases the density of D1 dopamine receptors in the rat striatum.

Adult, male rats were treated with 17 beta-estradiol valerate by s.c. injection of 125 micrograms/rat. Six days later the density and affinity of striatal D1 dopamine (DA) receptors were determined. Estrogen treatment significantly increased the density of D1 DA receptors without altering their affinity. In vitro co-incubation with 17 beta-estradiol 17 beta-estradiol valerate at concentrations up to 1.0 microM did not alter binding to D1 DA receptors.