Effects of 2-bromoterguride, a dopamine D receptor partial agonist, on cognitive dysfunction and social aversion in rats.

Rationale: 2-Bromoterguride, a dopamine D receptor partial agonist with antagonist properties at serotonin 5-HT receptors and α-adrenoceptors, meets the prerequisites of a putative atypical antipsychotic drug (APD). We recently showed that 2-bromoterguride is effective in tests of positive symptoms of schizophrenia in rats without inducing extrapyramidal side effects or metabolic changes.

Objective: In continuation of our recent work, we now investigated the effect of 2-bromoterguride on apomorphine and phencyclidine (PCP)-induced disruptions of prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response, a measure of sensory gating.

2-Bromoterguride-a potential atypical antipsychotic drug without metabolic effects in rats.

Rationale: Recently, we showed that 2-bromoterguride acted as a dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist, a serotonin 5-HT2A and α2C-adrenergic receptor antagonist, and exhibited antidopaminergic efficacy in amphetamine-induced locomotion (AIL) in rats without inducing catalepsy.

Objective: To extend our knowledge on the antipsychotic effects of 2-bromoterguride, we used convergent preclinical animal models and tests; i.e.