To investigate the role of dopamine receptors and possible involvement of brain opiate system in the apomorphine-induced rotational behavior of the substantia nigra-lesioned rats with 6-hydroxydopamine, effects of morphine and naloxone on the action o...
To investigate the role of dopamine receptors and possible involvement of brain opiate system in the apomorphine-induced rotational behavior of the substantia nigra-lesioned rats with 6-hydroxydopamine, effects of morphine and naloxone on the action of dopamine agonist or antagonist were examined. Rats were promed with apomorphine after denervation.
1. Apomorphine elicited dose-dependent conrtraiareral circling behavior. Maximum development of supersensitivity to apomorphinw was observed 3 weeks after denervation in apomorphine-primed rat.
2. A selective D1 agonist, SKF 38393 or a selective D2 agonist LY 171555 induced rotatory behavior of substantia nigra-lesioned rats. Rotatory effect of subcutaneous SKF 38393 was not affected by morphine and naloxone, but the effect of subcutaneous LY 171555 was potentiated by morphine and diminished by naloxone.
3. Subcutaneous SCH 23390 or sulpiride decreased the rotarory effect of apomorphine. Naloxione potentiated this effect of SCH 23393, but did not affect the effect of sulpiride.
4. Administration of morphine into ipsilateral caudate nucleus potentiated the rotatory effect of SKF 38393 and LY 171555. Otherwise, contralateral injection of naloxone did not affect the effect of SKF 38393, but potentiated the action of LY 171555.
5. Chronic administration of naloxone increased the rotatory effects of apomorphine, SKF 38393 and LY 171555. Abrupt withdrawal of the drug potentiated the effect of apomorphine.
From the above results, it is suggested that the rotatory effect of apomorphine is due to both the activation of dopamine D1 and D2 receptor, which are partly modulated by brain opiate system.