Evidence for the occurrence of depressant EEG effects after stimulation of dopamine D₃ receptors: A computerized study in rabbits

Abstract

The putative dopamine D₃ receptor agonist, (±) 7-OH-di-n-propylaminotetralin (± 7-OH-DPAT), induced depressant effects on rabbit EEG at the dose of 1 $\text{mg}\text{kg}$ i.v. Bromocriptine, a preferential dopamine D₂ receptor agonist, induced EEG activation at the dose of 0.5 $\text{mg}\text{kg}$ i.v. Although the lack of very selective ligands makes it difficult to discriminate between D₂- and D₃- dependent effects, these findings suggest that -unlike D₂ receptors-dopamine D₃ receptors may mediate depressant effects on the electrocorticogram.