Increase in plasma ACTH after dopaminergic stimulation in rats.
The effects of a dopaminergic agonist, apomorphine, and a dopaminergic antagonist, haloperidol, on plasma ACTH, and corticosterone levels were evaluated in adult male rats. Subcutaneous administration of apomorphine in the dose range of 50-500 micrograms X kg-1 significantly increased plasma corticosterone levels. Acute treatment with apomorphine (250 micrograms X kg-1) resulted in an elevation of plasma ACTH concentration, peak values being reached 15 min after the injection. The apomorphine-induced rise in plasma ACTH levels was completely inhibited by pretreatment with haloperidol (1 mg X kg-1). A stimulatory role for dopamine receptors in the control of pituitary ACTH release in the rat is suggested.
Jezová
D
D
Jurcovicová
J
J
Vigas
M
M
Murgas
K
K
Labrie
F
F
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D000818:Animals; D001058:Apomorphine / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000097:blood*; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000187:drug effects
D011954:Receptors, Dopamine; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D006220:Haloperidol; D001058:Apomorphine; D003345:Corticosterone