Methods for identifying compounds for regulating muscle mass or function using dopamine receptors

1 5 1 5 1 5 1 5 1 5 1 5 1 5 Screening methods for identifying compounds that bind to or activate (Dor Ddopamine receptors individually or in combination) or potentially regulate skeletal muscle mass or function in vivo. Also disclosed are screening methods for identifying compounds that prolong or augment the activation of Dor Ddopamine receptors or of Dor Ddopamine receptor signal transduction pathways and increase Dor Ddopamine receptor expression. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising Dor Ddopamine receptor agonists, antibodies to Dor Ddopamine receptors and methods for increasing skeletal muscle mass or function or for the treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy using Dor Ddopamine receptors as the target for intervention and methods for treatment of muscular dystrophies are described.