Effects of the putative D-1 antagonist SCH 23390 on stereotyped behaviour induced by the D-2 agonist RU24213

A mobility gradient in the organization of vertebrate movement: The perception of movement through symbolic language

Ordinary language can prevent us from seeing the organization of whole-animal movement. This may be why the search for behavioral homologies has not been as fruitful as the founders of ethology had hoped. The Eshkol-Wachman (EW) movement notational system can reveal shared movement patterns that are undetectable in the kinds of informal verbal descriptions of the same behaviors that are in current use. Rules of organization that are common to locomotor development, agonistic and exploratory behavior, scent marking, play, and dopaminergic drug-induced stereotypies in a variety of vertebrates suggest that behavior progresses along a “mobility gradient” from immobility to increasing complexity and unpredictability. A progression in the opposite direction, with decreasing spatial complexity and increased stereotypy, occurs under the influence of the nonselective dopaminergic drugs apomorphine and amphetamine and partly also the selective dopamine agonist quinpirole. The behaviors associated with the mobility gradient appear to be mediated by a family of basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuits and their descending output stations. Because the small number of rules underlying the mobility gradient account for a large variety of behaviors, they may be related to the specific functional demands on these neurological systems. The EW system and the mobility gradient model should prove useful to ethologists and neurobiologists.

Rational design, synthesis and evaluation of (6aR∗,11bS∗)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{7-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-oxobutyl]1,2,3,4,6,6a,7,11b,12,12a(RS)-decahydropyrazino[2′,1′:6,1]pyrido[3,4-b]indol-2-yl}-butan-1-one as a potential neuroleptic agent

In our pursuit to prepare a potent antipsychotic compound, a novel 1,2,3,4,6,6a,7,11b,12,12a-decahydropyrazino[2',1':6,1]pyrido[3,4-b]indole derivative was synthesized which incorporates the butyrophenone substructure twice. This molecule has shown D(1), D(2) and 5-HT(2A) receptor blocking activity where the ratio pK(i) (5-HT(2A)) to pK(i) (D(2)) is 1.42 better than risperidone (1.15). It blocks amphetamine induced hyperactivity/stereotypy and secondary conditioned avoidance responses in rodents at lower doses than those required for the neuroleptic drugs haloperidol and centbutindole (biriperone).

Interleukin-2-induced increases in climbing behavior: inhibition by dopamine D-1 and D-2 receptor antagonists

Interleukin (IL)-2 is a potent modulator of dopamine activity in the mesocorticolimbic and mesostriatal systems. It is also associated with behavioral changes (increased motor activity) and psychopathological outcomes (schizophrenia, Parkinson's Disease, cognitive deficits) that at least partly reflect aberrations in central dopaminergic transmission. Nonetheless, there is no evidence that a functional link exists between IL-2, dopaminergic processes, and related behavioral changes. We thus determined if IL-2 treatment increases the expression of climbing behavior, a behavior that is linked with dopamine D-1 and/or D-2 receptors and one used to test the efficacy of neuroleptics. IL-2 treatment (5-daily i.p. injections; 0.4 microg/BALB/c mouse) induced a marked 2-fold increase in climbing scores; a single injection had no effect. IL-2-induced increases in climbing behavior were completely blocked by a selective dopamine D-1 receptor antagonist (SCH 23390; 0.05 or 0.2 mg/kg; i.p.), or by a relatively high dose of a D-2 antagonist (sulpiride; 80 mg/kg; i.p.). In contrast, MK-801, a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, had no effect. This is the first demonstration of a functional link between IL-2, dopaminergic receptors, and behavior. These findings could shed light on the mechanisms by which IL-2 increases vulnerability to psychiatric abnormalities associated with aberrations in central dopaminergic processes.

HPA axis function and drug addictive behaviors: insights from studies with Lewis and Fischer 344 inbred rats

Much research supports a link between stress and its concomitant hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responses with behavioral sensitivity to psychoactive drugs. Our research demonstrates that Lewis inbred rats more readily acquire drug self-administration than Fischer 344 (F344) inbred rats and, compared to this strain, Lewis rats have hyporesponsive HPA axis responses to stress exposure. This association appears to conflict with investigations using outbred rats and suggests that the relationship between drug sensitivity and HPA axis responsiveness is more complicated than originally thought. It is essential to better understand this relationship because of its relevance to vulnerability and relapse to drug abuse. Thus, this paper reviews the literature in which these two inbred strains have been compared. We discuss strain differences in HPA axis function, in characteristics of the mesolimbic dopamine system, and in behaviors thought to reflect emotionality. Strain differences in unconditioned and conditioned effects of psychoactive drugs are then reviewed. Next, we discuss the possible role of sex and gonadal hormones on responsiveness to psychoactive drugs in these strains. Finally, a comparison of results obtained from these strains to three other comparator groups (e.g., high and low responders) suggests that a non-monotonic relationship between behavioral sensitivity to drugs and HPA axis responsiveness can explain much of the discrepancies in the literature.

Characterization of the role of medial prefrontal cortex dopamine receptors in cocaine-induced locomotor activity

Medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) dopamine (DA) modulates the motor-stimulant response to cocaine. The present study examined the specific mPFC DA receptor subtypes that mediate this behavioral response. Intra-mPFC injection of the DA D2-like receptor agonist quinpirole blocked cocaine-induced motor activity, an effect that was prevented by coadministration of the D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride. Intra-mPFC injection of the selective D4 receptor agonist PD 168,077 or the selective D1 receptor agonist SKF 81297 did not alter the motor-stimulant response to cocaine. Finally, it was found that an intermediate dose of quinpirole, which only attenuated cocaine-induced motor activity, was not altered by SKF 81297 coadministration, suggesting a lack of synergy between mPFC D1 and D2 receptors. These results suggest that D2 receptor mechanisms in the mPFC are at least partly responsible for mediating the acute motor-stimulant effects of cocaine.

Differential behavioral responses to cocaine are associated with dynamics of mesolimbic dopamine proteins in Lewis and Fischer 344 rats

Differential behavioral and biochemical responses to drugs of abuse may reflect genetic makeup as suggested by studies of inbred Lewis (LEW) and Fischer 344 (F344) rats. We investigated locomotor activity, stereotypy signs, and levels of specific proteins in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) in these strains at baseline and following chronic administration of cocaine (30 mg/kg/day for 14 days). Using Western blot analysis, we replicated our previous findings of baseline strain differences and found lower levels of DeltaFosB immunoreactivity in NAc of F344 vs. LEW rats. F344 rats showed greater baseline locomotor activity, sniffing, and grooming compared to LEW rats. Chronic cocaine increased DeltaFosB levels in NAc in both strains, whereas adaptations in other proteins were induced in F344 rats only. These included reduced levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in NAc and increased TH and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity in VTA. Chronic cocaine led to greater increases in overall stereotypy in F344 vs. LEW rats and decreased exploratory behaviors in LEW rats. Opposing effects by strain were seen in locomotor activity. Whereas F344 rats showed higher initial activity levels that decreased with cocaine exposure (tolerance), LEW rats showed increased activity over days (sensitization) with no strain differences seen at 14 days. Further, conditioned locomotor activation to vehicle injections was greater in F344 vs. LEW rats. These results suggest that behavioral responsiveness to chronic cocaine exposure may reflect dynamics of mesolimbic dopamine protein levels and demonstrate the role of genetic background in responsiveness to cocaine.

Neurotransmitter system interactions revealed by drug-induced changes in motivated behavior

The present article reviews studies conducted either in collaboration with Jac Herberg, or in parallel with those studies that used consummatory behavior and responding for intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) to investigate interactions between neurotransmitter systems. The studies reviewed include investigations of the role of dopamine in 8-OH-DPAT-induced feeding; the role of 5-HT3 receptors in the stimulant and depressant effects of nicotine on responding for ICSS; the interaction of D2 and 5-HT2 antagonists in sucrose consumption, and the differential contributions of alpha2-adrenoceptor and 5-HT2 antagonism to the rapid recovery of ICSS responding from depression produced by atypical neuroleptics. Further studies of the role of alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonism in the pattern of response decrements produced by neuroleptics on schedule-controlled responding for food confirm that the behavioral effects of monoamine interactions vary, depending on the specific receptor subtypes targeted and the behavioral paradigm employed. Consequently, the clinical relevance of findings will crucially depend on the choice of appropriate behavioral measures.

Effects of risperidone and SCH 23390 on isolation-induced aggression in male mice

In this study, the antiaggressive effects of risperidone and SCH 23390 have been explored. Using the paradigm of isolation-induced aggression, 150 albino male mice of the OF1 strain were allocated to control and experimental groups which received three doses of risperidone (0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg) or two doses of SCH 23390 (0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg). Only the highest doses of risperidone decreased threat and attack behaviours but all doses significantly impaired motor behaviour. SCH 23390 decreased attack with the two doses used and also produced significant increases in immobility. Although both antipsychotics are antiaggressive, this action seems to be more specific in the case of risperidone. Finally, both drugs failed to affect animals with short attack latency, being antiaggressive only in subjects with long attack latency, which suggests that these two types of animals are different in their dopamine and serotonin neurotransmission.

Antisense strategies in neurobiology

The use of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, targeted to the transcripts encoding biologically active proteins in the nervous system, provides a novel and highly selective means to further our understanding of the function of these proteins. Recent studies of these agents also suggest the possibility of their being used therapeutically for a variety of diseases involving neuronal tissue. In this paper we review studies showing the in vitro and in vivo effects of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides as they relate to neurobiological functions. Particular attention is paid to the behavioral and biochemical effects of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides directed to the various subtypes of receptors for the neurotransmitter dopamine. An example is also provided showing the effects of a plasmid vector expressing an antisense RNA targeted to the calmodulin mRNAs in the PC12 pheochromocytoma cell line. The advantages of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides over traditional pharmacological treatments are assessed, and the advantages of using vectors encoding antisense RNA over the use of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides are also considered. We also describe the criteria that should be used in designing antisense oligodeoxynucleotides and several controls that should be employed to assure their specificity of action.

Behavioral effects of clozapine and dopamine receptor subtypes

The atypical neuroleptic clozapine (CLZ) is an extremely effective antipsychotic that produces relatively few motoric side effects. However, CLZ displays limited antagonism at the dopamine (DA) D2 receptor, the receptor commonly thought to mediate the antipsychotic activity of neuroleptics. The mechanism of action behind the efficacy of CLZ remains to be determined. Miller, Wickens and Beninger [Progr. Neurobiol., 34, 143-184 (1990)] propose a "D1 hypothesis of antipsychotic action" that may explain the antipsychotic effects of CLZ. This hypothesis is built on the interactions between D2, cholinergic and D1 mechanisms in the striatum. These authors assert that although typical neuroleptics block D2 receptors, it is through an indirect action on D1 receptors that their antipsychotic action is manifest. The extra-pyramidal side effects produced by typical neuroleptics are hypothesized to be due to an indirect action on cholinergic receptors. It is argued that the anticholinergic properties of CLZ negate the D2 (motor side effects) action of CLZ, allowing CLZ to diminish psychotic symptoms through a direct action on D1 receptors. Thus, CLZ may function as a D1 receptor antagonist in behavioral paradigms. The current paper reviews and compares the behavioral profile of CLZ to those produced by D2- and D1-selective antagonists with specific reference to unconditioned and conditioned behaviors in order to more fully evaluate the "D1 hypothesis of CLZ action". Although the actions of CLZ remain unique, they do share some striking similarities with D1 receptor antagonists especially in tests of unconditioned behavior, possibly implicating the D1 receptor in the action of this antipsychotic drug.

Dopaminergic function in the neostriatum and nucleus accumbens of young and aged Fischer 344 rats

Age-dependent alterations in behavioral and neuronal functioning were assessed in young (2-3 month), middle-aged (12 month), and aged (24 month) Fischer 344 rats treated with the indirect dopamine agonist amphetamine (2.25 or 5 mg/kg), the D1 agonist SKF 38393 (7.5, 15, 30 mg/kg), or the D2 agonist quinpirole (0.3, 1.0, 3.0 mg/kg). Drug-induced changes in activity and stereotypy were measured during a 90-min testing session, with Fos immunohistochemistry being used to assess the neuronal response to dopamine agonist treatment. As expected, aged rats given amphetamine (5 mg/kg) had fewer activity counts and higher stereotypy scores than young rats. Middle-aged rats also had fewer activity counts but were similar in stereotypy scores to young rats. Amphetamine also induced different patterns of Fos immunoreactivity in the neostriatum and nucleus accumbens of young and aged rats, as Fos expression in aged rats exhibited a distinctive dorsal to ventral pattern of decline. In general, SKF 38393 had few age-related actions, although aged rats did show a slight relative increase in stereotypy. In contrast, the D2 agonist quinpirole substantially enhanced the motor activity and Fos expression of young rats, while only modestly affecting aged rats. Hence, these results suggest that the D2 receptor is more vulnerable to the effects of aging than the D1 receptor.

Antisense strategies in dopamine receptor pharmacology

Recent advances in molecular biology have provided pharmacologists the opportunity of developing an entirely new type of agent for studying and treating a variety of biological disorders. These agents, termed antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, have as their target the messenger RNAs encoding specific proteins. They act by binding to selected portions of these mRNAs through complimentary interactions and thereby prevent the synthesis of these proteins. These novel pharmacological tools have the promise of being easier to design and being more selective and predictable in their actions. In addition, insofar as agents targeted to receptors for neurotransmitters are concerned, unlike the classical pharmacological agents, these new compounds may not lead to the upregulation of the very receptors the drugs are designed to inhibit. The present review summarizes briefly studies on the effect of oligodeoxynucleotides antisense to the mRNAs encoding the various subtypes of the dopamine receptor. The studies show that oligodeoxynucleotides antisense to the D2 dopamine receptor when intracerebroventricularly into brains of rodents are rapidly taken up into the brain tissue, distributed to brain cells, and produce effects characteristic of highly selective D2 dopamine antagonists. The compounds also produced specific reductions in the levels of D2 dopamine receptor mRNA and D2 dopamine receptors. Similarly, injecting an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide targeted to the D1 dopamine receptor mRNA produces effects characteristic of D1 dopamine receptor antagonists. Other studies using these agents has produced evidence that there is a small pool of receptors that turn over very rapidly and which constitute the functional pool of these receptors. The evidence suggests further that antisense oligodeoxynucleotides inhibit the synthesis of this small functional pool of dopamine receptors, thereby providing an explanation of why there is often a discordance between changes in dopaminergic function and changes in the levels of dopamine receptors. Studies of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides targeted to the other subtypes of dopamine receptor may help reveal the biological roles that these and other newly discovered subtypes of neurotransmitter receptors have. They may also provide an entirely new and potentially more selective therapeutic regimen for altering the functions of these receptors.

Hyperactivity and behavioral seizures in rodents following treatment with the dopamine D1 receptor agonists A-86929 and ABT-431

A-86929 ((-)-trans-9,10-dihydroxy-2-propyl-4,5,5a,6,7,11b-hexahydro-3- thia-5-azacyclopent-1-ena[c]phenanthrene) is a potent and selective full agonist at the dopamine D1 receptor. Both A-86929 and ABT-431 ((-)-trans-9,10-diacetyloxy-2-propyl-4,5,5a,6,7,11b- hexahydro-3-thia-5-azacyclopent-1-ena[c]phenanthrene hydrochloride), the diacetyl prodrug derivative of A-86929, were evaluated for their effects on behavioral excitability in rodents. In rats, A-86929 produced a dose-dependent increase in locomotor activity that was attenuated by the selective dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, SCH 23390, as well as by higher doses of the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, haloperidol. Repeated administration of A-86929 over 6 days produced hyperactivity which did not change in magnitude across days. Acute administration of A-86929 and ABT-431 to mice produced behavioral seizure activity, with ED50 values of 7.1 and 2.7 mumol/kg, s.c., respectively, that was blocked by SCH 23390. Young rats (35-37 days) exhibited behavioral seizures following A-86929 and ABT-431 treatment (ED50 = 34.2 and 35.6 mumol/kg, s.c., respectively), but at doses higher than those required in mice. Moreover, adult rats (3 months) were less sensitive (ED50 = 345 mumol/kg, s.c.) to A-86929-induced seizures than young rats. Comparison of the ED50 values that produced behavioral seizure activity in rats with those previously established to produce contralateral rotation (ED50 = 0.24 mumol/kg, s.c.) in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat indicates that a significant dose separation exists between these two properties of A-86929.

8-OH-DPAT-induced release of hippocampal noradrenaline in vivo: evidence for a role of both 5-HT1A and dopamine D1 receptors

Here we investigate the effects of the novel selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, N-[2-[4-(2 methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl cyclo-hexanecarboxamide (WAY 100635), and the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, R-(+)-8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepin++ +-7-ol (SCH 23390), on the increase in extracellular noradrenaline in rat hippocampus induced by the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 and 1 mg/kg s.c.) caused a dose-related increase in extracellular noradrenaline. WAY 100635 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg s.c.) did not block the release of noradrenaline induced by the higher dose of 8-OH-DPAT (1 mg/kg s.c.) but abolished the response to the lower dose (0.1 mg/kg s.c.). When administered alone, WAY 100635 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg s.c.) had no effect on extracellular noradrenaline. The postsynaptically mediated 5-HT behavioural syndrome induced by the higher dose of 8-OH-DPAT, in contrast to the increase in noradrenaline, was completely blocked by WAY 100635 (0.3 mg/kg s.c.). Finally, the noradrenaline response to 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 mg/kg s.c.) was blocked by SCH 23390 (0.5 mg/kg s.c.). Our data confirm that noradrenaline can be released by activation of 5-HT1A receptors but show that these receptors are not tonically activated, and may be more sensitive to stimulation than classical postsynaptic 5-HT1a receptors. A role for the dopamine D1 receptor in the noradrenaline response to 8-OH-DPAT is also suggested.

Functional and molecular differentiation of the dopamine system induced by neonatal denervation

The administration of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) to damage the mesostriatal dopamine (DA) system in the neonate results in different neurochemical and behavioral consequences as compared to lesions made in adulthood. There have been few direct data to support the conclusion that the behavioral changes following neonatal 6-OHDA lesions reflect plasticity of the DA system. It is our hypothesis that the plasticity of the developing DA system is fundamentally different from that of the adult. Responses to 6-OHDA lesions can only be understood within the context of the status of the mesostriatal DA system at the time of the lesion. There are stages of development in the early postnatal period when certain components of the mesostriatal DA system are differentially sensitive to 6-OHDA lesions. These "windows" of vulnerability can be predicted from an analysis of the developmental expression of DA receptors and the maturation of the subpopulation of the mesostriatal DA system that innervates them. We review the differences in the behavioral plasticity of the adult and neonate sustaining 6-OHDA lesions to the mesostriatal DA system, the mechanisms responsible for the behavioral plasticity in the adult, and our conceptualization of which mechanisms are affected in the neonate.

Effects of SCH39166 and domperidone on the meal patterning of male rats

In male rats given free access to food (45 mg pellets) and water, ingestive behavior is structured into meals. The selective dopamine D1 antagonist SCH39166 had little effect on total food intake, meal size, or feeding rate. However, it did produce a marked, dose-related reduction in drinking that resulted from an increase in intermeal interval with unchanged meal size. Possible peripheral and central explanations of this effect are discussed. In a second experiment, the peripheral dopamine D2 antagonist, domperidone, was shown to have little effect on either feeding or drinking. A dose of 10 mg/kg did reduce feeding rate, but this probably represents a central effect, because doses that were only slightly higher have previously been shown to reduce stimulant-induced hyperactivity and stereotypy. These experiments confirm the functional distinction between D1-like and D2-like dopamine receptors in the control of ingestive behavior, with the D1 receptor having a greater role in drinking and central D2 receptors affecting several aspects of feeding behavior.

The effects of clozapine on behavioural responses to the selective 'D1-like' dopamine receptor agonist, A 68930, and to the selective 'D2-like' agonist, RU 24213

1. The influence of the atypical antipsychotic clozapine on D1 dopamine receptor-mediated function was examined in terms of its effects on behavioural responses to the new isochroman selective D1 agonist, A 68930, and to the selective D2 agonist, RU 24213. 2. In rat striatal membrane preparations, radioligand binding studies with [3H]-SCH 23390 and [3H]-spiperone confirmed clozapine to show weak and non-selective affinity for both D1 and D2 receptors. 3. Using a rapid time-sampling behavioural check list technique, clozapine (4.0-36.0 mg kg-1) exerted only modest antagonism of RU 24213 (15.0 mg kg-1)-induced sniffing and locomotion, and weakly released some episodes of myoclonic jerking; such antagonism with release of jerking has been shown previously to occur only during concurrent stimulation of D2 receptors and attenuation of D1 function. 4. Over the same dose-range, clozapine completely blocked A 68930 (0.25 mg kg-1)-induced intense grooming but failed to influence the vacuous chewing response; this profile was similar to that demonstrated previously for selective D1 antagonists. 5. On the basis of complete blockade of typical D1 agonist-induced grooming and weak release of atypical jerking to D2 agonism in the face of modest reduction in typical D2-stimulated behaviours, clozapine appears to exert some preferential but not selective attenuation of D1 receptor-mediated function. Clozapine may attenuate activity through a classical D1 receptor at a level beyond the recognition site, for which it has little affinity, or by way of new, putative 'D1-like' site(s) that subserve distinct elements of dopaminergic behaviour.

Chronic neonatal blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor by CGP 39551 increases dopaminergic function in adult rat

Following chronic neonatal treatment with the competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist CGP 39551, adult rats showed increased behavioral responses to the D2 dopamine receptor stimulation. In nucleus accumbens and in n. striatum of similarly treated rats increases in D2 dopamine receptor number were observed. CGP 39551 was administered daily to neonatal rats with increasing doses from postnatal day 1 to 22. At postnatal days 70-82, the rats were observed for hyperactivity induced by the selective D2 dopamine receptor agonist LY 171555, the grooming behavior elicited by the specific D1 dopamine receptor stimulating agent SKF 38393 and the stereotypies induced by the mixed D1/D2 receptor agonist apomorphine. [3H]Spiroperidol and [3H]SCH 23390 specific binding to membranes of nucleus accumbens, nucleus striatum and frontal cortex of similarly treated rats was measured. The hypermotility and the stereotyped behavior induced by LY 171555 and apomorphine, respectively, were augmented, whereas grooming behavior elicited by SKF 38393 was unaffected, in CGP 39551-treated rats. Consistently, both in nucleus accumbens and in n. striatum an increase in [3H]Spiroperidol specific binding was observed, while [3H]SCH 23390 specific binding did not change. The study demonstrates that chronic blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor during the critical period of brain maturation results in long-lasting dopaminergic functional changes.

Observational studies of dopamine D1 and D2 agonists in squirrel monkeys

The behavioral effects of selective D1 and D2, nonselective, and indirectly acting dopamine agonists were compared in squirrel monkeys using continuous observation procedures. D1 agonists including SKF 81297, SKF 82958, and R(+)-6-Br-APB produced dose-dependent increases in the frequencies of stationary postures and head movements and had little or no effect on either huddling or scratching. In contrast, SKF 75670 and R-SKF 38393, which are considered to be D1 partial agonists, had effects comparable to those of the D1 antagonist SCH 39166. That is, the D1 partial agonists increased the duration of huddling without greatly altering the frequencies of stationary postures, head movements, or scratching. Unlike the D1 agonists, the D2 agonists (+)-PHNO, quinpirole, and bromocriptine increased the frequency of scratching, but did not consistently alter other observable behaviors. The indirect dopamine agonists cocaine, GBR 12909, and d-amphetamine and the nonselective D1/D2 agonist CY 208-243, but not (-)apomorphine, had effects comparable to those of D1 agonists such as SKF 81297. That is, each of these drugs increased the frequencies of stationary postures and head movements with little or no effect on scratching or huddling. Additionally, effects of the D1 agonist SKF 82958 and the indirect dopamine agonist cocaine were surmountably antagonized by the D1 antagonist SCH 39166. The present results show that: 1) behavioral effects of D1 and D2 agonists in monkeys are qualitatively different; 2) D1 agonists presumed to differ in intrinsic activity have dissimilar effects; and 3) effects of indirect dopamine agonists are comparable to those of D1 agonists with presumably high intrinsic activity.

Dopamine receptors: molecular biology, biochemistry and behavioural aspects

The description of new dopamine (DA) receptor subtypes, D1-(D1 and D5) and D2-like (D2A, D2B, D3, D4), has given an impetus to DA research. While selective agonists and antagonists are not generally available yet, the receptor distribution in the brain suggests that they could be new targets for drug development. Binding characteristics and second messenger coupling has been explored in cell lines expressing the new cloned receptors. The absence of selective ligands has meant that in vivo studies have lagged behind. However, progress has been made in understanding the function of DA-containing discrete brain nuclei and the functional consequence of the DA's interaction with other neurotransmitters. This review explores some of the latest advances in these various areas.

D1 dopamine agonist and antagonist effects on regional cerebral glucose utilization in rats with intact dopaminergic innervation

The effects of stimulation and blockade of the D1 dopamine receptor on regional cerebral glucose utilization (RCGU) were studied using quantitative [14C]2-deoxyglucose autoradiography in naive rats. Systemic administration of the selective D1 antagonist, SCH 23390 (0.5 mg/kg), lowered glucose utilization by 24-28% in the globus pallidus, entopeduncular nucleus, subthalamic nucleus, substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), and motor cortex, suggesting that stimulation of the D1 receptor by endogenous dopamine contributes to basal metabolism in these regions. Administration of SCH 23390 increased RCGU in the lateral habenula, as do selective D2 antagonists. The selective D1 agonist, SKF 38393 (30 mg/kg), increased RCGU in the SNr (up 22%) without affecting the other brain regions which were examined. This modest increase contrasts with the large increase in RCGU (up 100-200%) in the SNr elicited by similar doses of SKF 38393 in rats with acute or chronic dopamine depletion. Systemic administration of amphetamine (5.0 mg/kg), a dopamine releasing agent, increased RCGU in the caudate-putamen (up 33%), globus pallidus (up 23%), subthalamic nucleus (up 46%), entopeduncular nucleus (up 78%), and SNr (up 72%) and lowered RCGU in the lateral habenula (down 43%). All of these amphetamine effects were blocked by pretreatment with either SCH 23390 (0.5 mg/kg) or eticlopride (2.0 mg/kg, a selective D2 antagonist). These results suggest that endogenous dopamine stimulates both D1 and D2 receptors in vivo and provide metabolic evidence to support the concept of a functional linkage of D1 and D2 receptor systems in animals with intact dopaminergic innervation.

Behavioral sensitization and tolerance to the D2 agonist RU 24213: dissociation between several behavior patterns in mice

Previous studies have shown that different components of behavioral effects of indirect agonists given chronically to laboratory rodents can follow different courses during treatment. Whether repeated injections of a D2 agonist can lead to the same phenomenon was investigated in mice using the D2 agonist N-n-propyl-N-phenylethyl-p-(3-hydroxy-phenyl)-ethylamine (RU 24213). Five mutually exclusive behaviors were examined over seven intermittent administrations (every other day over 13 daily injections) of RU 24213 (2.5 mg/kg SC) in mice. Rapid tolerance to the clearest initial effect of RU 24213, stillness, was found. Suppression of grooming also showed tolerance later in the treatment regimen (from the fourth test). From the third test, parallel time courses of sensitization were obtained for ambulation and rearing. Sleeping position was strongly depressed throughout the chronic treatment. These results show that the development in time of the behavioral effects of RU 24213 injected chronically strongly depend upon the behavioral measure. This supports the use of multiple measures in the same animal in the behavioral analysis of chronically injected dopaminergic drugs.

Behavioral effects of selective and nonselective dopamine agonists on young rats after irreversible antagonism of D1 and/or D2 receptors

In general, preweanling and adult rats respond similarly when challenged with competitive dopamine (DA) agonists or antagonists. In contrast, results using a noncompetitive antagonist suggest that the D1 and D2 receptor systems of preweanling and adult rats differ in some critical way. To further assess this phenomenon, the behavioral effects of irreversible receptor blockade were assessed across 8 days in NPA (a nonselective DA agonist), quinpirole (a D2 agonist), or SKF 38393 (a D1 agonist) treated 17-day-old rat pups. The irreversible antagonist N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) did not block the locomotor activity and rearing of NPA- or quinpirole-treated rat pups, nor did EEDQ reduce SKF 38393-induced grooming. Moreover, pretreatment with EEDQ appeared to potentiate the normal increases in locomotor activity and rearing produced by NPA, but only when D2 receptors were not protected by a previous injection of sulpiride (a D2 antagonist). Taken together, these results are consistent with the presence of large reserves of D1 and D2 receptors in the preweanling rat pup.

Morphine stimulates locomotor activity by an indirect dopaminergic mechanism: Possible D-1 and D-2 receptor involvement

1. The effect of morphine on locomotor activity in mice and the mechanism involved were evaluated. 2. Subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of different doses of morphine (10, 20 and 40 mg kg-1) into mice induced a dose-dependent locomotor activity. 3. The response to morphine was decreased in animals pretreated by the D-1 antagonist SCH 23390, the D-2 antagonist sulpiride or the opiate receptor antagonist naloxone, but not by atropine, phenoxybenzamine, propranolol and methergoline. 4. The inhibitory effects of SCH 23390, sulpiride or naloxone were dose-dependent. 5. Pretreatment with reserpine prevented the effect of morphine. SKF 38393 (D-1 agonist) or quinpirole (D-2 agonist) also induced locomotor activity in mice. Also this effect was decreased by reserpine pretreatment. 6. Combination of SKF 38393 with quinpirole but not of morphine with SKF 38393 or quinpirole induced a high degree of locomotor activity in intact and reserpinized animals. 7. It is concluded that locomotor activity induced by morphine is mediated by opiate receptor through an indirect dopaminergic mechanism.

Pipradrol conditioned place preference is blocked by SCH23390

We investigated the effect of the selective D1 dopamine antagonist, SCH23390, on the establishment of a pipradrol-conditioned place preference (CPP). Among various doses of pipradrol (6.25-75.0 mg/kg, SC), a CPP was established at 25.0 mg/kg. SCH23390 (0.16 mg/kg, IP) blocked the establishment of a CPP by this dose of pipradrol. The results suggest that pipradrol produces a rewarding effect and that this effect may involve activation of D1 dopamine receptors.

Dopaminergic and serotonergic function following isolation rearing in rats: study of behavioural responses and postmortem and in vivo neurochemistry

This series of experiments compared isolation-reared and socially reared rats for their locomotor activity, behavioural stereotypy, and monoamine function both postmortem and in vivo using intracerebral dialysis. In Experiment 1, isolates showed an altered time course of locomotor activity following d-amphetamine sulphate (AMPH) administration (0.5, 2.0, 3.0, or 5.0 mg/kg, SC). Isolation-reared rats also showed increased sensitivity to the sedative effects of a low dose of apomorphine hydrochloride (0.1 mg/kg) but did not differ from social controls following higher doses of the drug (0.5, 1.5, or 3.0 mg/kg, SC). Isolates showed a decrease in the intensity of apomorphine-induced stereotyped behaviours but no change in stereotypy induced by AMPH. In Experiment 2, isolates had higher postmortem dopamine (DA) concentrations and an altered asymmetry in DA function in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) but not in the nucleus accumbens (NAC) or caudate putamen (CPu). Isolated rats also had a lower 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA)/5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) ratio in the NAC (but not in the PFC or CPu) compared to controls. Experiment 3 used intracerebral dialysis to examine monoamine function in vivo following isolation rearing. Isolates showed greater increases in extracellular DA and greater decreases in DOPAC in response to 2 mg/kg AMPH SC in both the NAC and CPu. There were no apparent differences in the perfusate concentrations of either dopamine (DA), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), or homovanillic acid (HVA) prior to drug administration. However, consistent with the results of Experiment 2, isolates had a reduced basal perfusate concentration of 5-HIAA from the NAC but not from the CPu. Experiment 4 measured postsynaptic DA function in CPu tissue slices following isolation. Isolation rearing did not affect cAMP accumulation in response to stimulation of D1 DA receptors by DA (0, 2.7, 9, or 30 microM). In addition, isolation rearing did not affect the coupling between D1 and D2 receptors, as measured by the increase in cAMP accumulation with 1 microM 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1 H-3-benzazepin (SK&F 38393) and its reduction by 10 microM quinperole hydrochloride (LY 171555). These results are discussed in terms of the possible relationship between these neurochemical findings and the behavioural disturbances following isolation rearing of rats.

Dynorphin A(1–13) preferentially inhibits behaviors induced by the D2 dopamine agonist RU 24213 but not by the D1 dopamine agonist SK&F 38393

The effects of dynorphin A(1-13) on the D1 dopamine agonist SK&F 38393- and the D2 dopamine agonist RU 24213-induced behavioral alterations in the mouse were determined by using multidimensional behavioral analyses based upon a capacitance system. Although dynorphin A(1-13) (3.0 or 12.5 micrograms) alone did not produce any significant effects on behaviors, the peptide (12.5 micrograms) caused an inhibitory effect on the RU 24213 (3.0 mg/kg)-induced increase in behavioral patterns such as linear locomotion and circling except rearing and grooming behaviors. The antagonistic effects of dynorphin A(1-313) (12.5 micrograms) were fully reversed by the opioid antagonist M(r) 2266 (10.0 mg/kg). However, dynorphin A(1-13) (3.0 or 12.5 micrograms) failed to affect behaviors elicited by SK&F 38393 (10.0 mg/kg). These results suggest that dynorphin A(1-13) plays an inhibitory role in behaviors induced by the D2 dopamine agonist but not by the D1 dopamine agonist, possibly through the mediation of kappa-opioid receptors.

Dissociation of the striatal D-2 dopamine receptor from adenylyl cyclase following 6-hydroxydopamine-induced denervation

Intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation following exposure to dopamine (DA) agonists and and antagonists was measured in striatal slices from rats with a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion of the nigrostriatal pathway and which showed contralateral circling to apomorphine. Both DA (10-320 microM) and the D-1 agonist SKF 38393 (0.1-32 microM) increased cyclic AMP accumulation in striatal slices from the lesioned and intact hemispheres. The EC50 for DA to increase cyclic AMP accumulation in slices was greater in the 6-OHDA-lesioned striata compared to the intact striatum, but the EC50 for SKF 38393 was not affected. The D-1 antagonist SCH 23390 (10 microM) completely inhibited the ability of DA and SKF 38393 to increase cyclic AMP accumulation in striatal slices from both denervated and intact sides of the brain. In slices from the intact hemisphere the increase in DA-induced cyclic AMP accumulation was enhanced by the D-2 antagonist (+/-)-sulpiride (50 microM) but (+/-)-sulpiride had no effect on the DA response in slices from the lesioned side. Similarly, the ability of SKF 38393 to enhance cyclic AMP accumulation was blocked by the D-2 agonist quinpirole (10 microM) in striatal slices from the intact hemisphere but not in tissue from the lesioned side. The density of striatal D-1 and D-2 receptors assessed by [3H]SCH 23390 and [3H]spiperone binding did not differ between the hemispheres although there was an increase in the affinity of D-1 receptors for [3H]SCH 23390 in the lesioned striatum. After striatal deafferentiation there appears to be an uncoupling of the "inhibitory" D-2 receptor from the D-1 receptor-associated adenylyl cyclase.