Changes in dopamine signals are not linked to abnormal learning in the memory system of a Huntington’s disease mouse model

A marked, age-dependent elevation of hippocampal D1 and D2 receptor labeling was observed in R6/1 mice, a model for Huntington's disease.

• Altered dopamine receptor labeling is demonstrated in both presymptomatic and symptomatic Huntington's disease gene carriers.
• Deficits in synaptic plasticity are linked to changes in dopamine signaling in the cortex of R6/1 mice.
• Pharmacological activation of D1- or D2-like receptors could reverse synaptic plasticity deficits in the cortex but not in the hippocampus.
• Despite the increased D1 and D2 receptor labeling in the hippocampus, pharmacological interventions did not improve synaptic function.
• Global changes in dopamine receptor expression are present in Huntington's disease models, but these changes vary by brain region.

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