Suggestive evidence for a DA D3 receptor-mediated increase in the release of oxytocin in the male rat.
The dopamine (DA) D2/3 receptor agonists quinpirole (0.5-8.0 mg kg-1, s.c.) and 7-OH-DPAT (0.2-3.2 mg kg-1, s.c.), but not the preferential DA D2 receptor agonist bromocriptine (2.0-32.0 mg kg-1, s.c.), produced increased plasma oxytocin levels in the rat. In keeping with their affinity for the DA D2 receptor, all three compounds produced a marked suppression of plasma prolactin levels in their respective dose range. It is suggested that DA D3 receptors are involved in mechanisms regulating oxytocin secretion in the rat.
Uvnäs-Moberg
K
K
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Alster
P
P
Hillegaart
V
V
Ahlenius
S
S
D000818:Animals; D001971:Bromocriptine / Q000494:pharmacology; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004873:Ergolines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D019257:Quinpirole; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013764:Tetrahydronaphthalenes / Q000494:pharmacology
D018491:Dopamine Agonists; D004873:Ergolines; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine; D013764:Tetrahydronaphthalenes; D019257:Quinpirole; D001971:Bromocriptine; D010121:Oxytocin; D011388:Prolactin; C031349:7-hydroxy-2-N,N-dipropylaminotetralin