Overview

• Histamine decreases dopamine levels in male mice while increasing them in female mice, with the female response influenced by the estrous cycle.
• The study identifies distinct receptor mechanisms: H2 receptors in the male substantia nigra and H3 receptors in the female striatum.
• These findings provide a mechanistic explanation for sex differences in dopamine-related neurological disorders like Tourette syndrome, schizophrenia, and ADHD.
• The research highlights the potential for sex-specific treatments targeting histamine receptors to correct dopamine dysregulation in these conditions.
• Published in the Journal of Neuroscience, the study by Van Zandt and Pittenger marks a significant step toward understanding sex-biased prevalence in neuropsychiatric disorders.