The effects of selective dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists on body temperature in rats

Body temperature was measured at repeated time intervals following the administration of various dopamine agonists and antagonists. The D-1 and D-2 receptor agonist, apomorphine, produced dose-dependent hypothermia. This effect was inhibited by the D-2 receptor antagonist, spiroperidol. Stimulation of D-2 receptor by LY171555 produced dose-dependent hypothermia, which was attenuated by pretreatment with spiroperidol and not altered by the D-1 receptor antagonist SCH23390. The D-1 receptor agonist, SK&F38393 had no effect on body temperature. SCH23390 administered alone produced initial hyperthermia and subsequent hypothermia. When administered with apomorphine, SCH23390 both attenuated and potentiated the hypothermic response, depending on the dose and time of administration of each drug. The results suggest that dopamine receptor agonists induce hypothermia by stimulation of the D-2 receptor subtype.