How does BPC 157 counteract disturbances within the dopamine system?

The dopamine system is involved in various behavioral and physiological functions. Dysfunction, such as reduced or over-amplified activity, can lead to disturbances like tremors, akinesia, catalepsy, and stereotypies, as seen in conditions like Parkinson's disease or schizophrenia.

BPC 157 interacts significantly with the dopamine system to counteract various disturbances. It effectively counteracts issues caused by parkinsongenic neurotoxins like 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydrophyridine (MPTP) and vesicle depletion resulting from reserpine application. Additionally, BPC 157 antagonizes the effects of dopamine receptor blockades induced by agents such as haloperidol, fluphenazine, clozapine, and sulpiride, affecting both peripheral (e.g., gastric lesions, sphincter dysfunction, prolonged QTc intervals) and central (e.g., catalepsy, akinesia) manifestations. Furthermore, it counteracts disturbances, including stereotypies, in acute and chronic amphetamine applications (addressing both tolerance and reverse tolerance). It also antagonizes disturbances characteristic of amphetamine, methamphetamine, apomorphine, and dopamine over-stimulation in models simulating positive-like schizophrenia symptoms.