Pre- and postsynaptic actions of a partial D2 receptor agonist in reserpinized young rats: longevity of agonistic effects.

Partial D2 receptor agonists (e.g., terguride, preclamol, and aripiprazole) have antagonist-like effects at normosensitive D2 postsynaptic receptors and synthesis modulating autoreceptors.

Postnatal manganese exposure attenuates cocaine-induced locomotor activity and reduces dopamine transporters in adult male rats.

In the present study, we examined whether exposing rats to manganese (Mn) during the preweanling period would affect basal or cocaine-induced locomotor activity in adulthood and reduce the number of striatal dopamine transporter binding sites. On postnatal day (PD) 1-21, rats were given oral supplements of vehicle or Mn chloride (250 or 750 microg/day). Striatal Mn and iron (Fe) accumulation as well as serum Fe levels were measured on PD 14, PD 21, and PD 90.

The partial dopamine D2-like receptor agonist terguride functions as an agonist in preweanling rats after a 5-day reserpine regimen.

Rationale: Treating children and adolescents with partial D2-like agonists is becoming increasingly common, although few developmental animal studies have assessed the psychopharmacology of this class of drug. Contrary to results from adult rat studies, it has been reported that partial D2-like agonists may not induce agonist-like behavioral effects in preweanling rats during states of low dopaminergic tone.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine whether a partial D2-like agonist would act as an agonist in preweanling rats after a 5-day regimen of the dopamine-depleting agent reserpine or the tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor alpha-methyl-DL-p-tyrosine (AMPT).