Biochemical and electrophysiological effects of 7‐OH‐DPAT on the mesolimbic dopaminergic system

Abstract
Systemic administration of the putative selective D3 receptor agonist 7‐hydroxy‐2‐(N, N‐di‐n‐propylamino)tetralin(7‐OH‐DPAT) consistently decreased extracellular dopamine and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels in the nucleus accumbens and dopaminergic neuronal activity in the ventral tegmental area. 7‐OH‐DPAT inhibited dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens also when locally perfused through the dialysis probe. The results suggest the possibility that stimulation of dopamine D2 receptors with 7‐OH‐DPAT mimic biochemical and electrophysiological actions previously ascribed to D2 autoreceptor stimulation; however the lack of selective D3 antagonist precludes any firm conclusion in this sense.