How long does it take for a blocked dopamine receptor to be broken down by the body?

Question

Do the blocked dopamine receptors get broken down by the body and if so how often ? In other words how long does it take for the dopamine receptors blocked by irreversible dopamine antagonists to degrade ?

Answer 1

Since you are talking of an irreversible antagonist, then it will depend on the time frame for protein synthesis. Brain protein synthesis rates vary from individual to individual, as well as from brain region to brain region, but a fair estimate would be approximately 0.15% per hour. So, one might expect the DA receptor to be replaced about 3.5 - 4% per day.