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

The selective dopamine D3 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.