Dopamine D-1 and D-2 receptor agonists and antagonists and neuropeptide-induced excessive grooming

The administration of the dopamine D-1 receptor antagonist, SCH 23390, but not of the dopamine D-2 receptor antagonist, sulpiride, suppressed the excessive grooming induced by a new environment or by various neuropeptides. In addition, administration of the dopamine D-1 agonist, SK & F 38393, induced excessive grooming but that of the dopamine D-2 agonist, quinpirole, did not. It is suggested that dopamine D-1 rather than D-2 receptor stimulation is an important mechanism underlying novelty-induced as well as neuropeptide-induced excessive grooming.