In vivo agonist properties of 7‐hydroxy‐N,N‐di‐n‐propyl‐2‐aminotetralin, a dopamine D₃‐selective receptor ligand

Abstract

Abstract The selective dopamine D 3 receptor ligand 7‐hydroxy‐N,N‐di‐n‐propyl‐2‐aminotetralin (7‐OH‐DPAT) produced stereotypical sniffing and climbing, increased locomotor activity, and caused 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned animals to rotate in a contralateral direction, behavioral effects highly predictive of dopamine agonist activity. In contrast, 7‐OH‐DPAT was inactive in the conditioned avoidance response, catalepsy, and anti‐apomorphine test, animal models highly predictive of dopamine antagonist activity. These results indicate that 7‐OH‐DPAT is an agonist at dopamine receptors in vivo. © 1993 wiley‐Liss, Inc.