Inhibition of neuroleptic-induced dopamine receptor supersensitivity by cyclo (Leu-Gly)

Behavioral supersensitivity of dopamine receptors was induced in mice by chronic administration of haloperidol (1 mg/kg/day for 21 days) and its subsequent withdrawal for 48 hr. This was evidenced by enhanced spontaneous locomotor activity and hypothermic responses to a dopamine agonist, apomorphine. Concurrent administration of cyclo (Leu-Gly), the enzymatically resistant diketopiperazine, an analog of melantropin release inhibiting factor, blocked haloperidol-induced dopamine receptor supersensitivity as evidenced by the blockade of apomorphine induced responses. Since many studies have linked the development of neuroleptic induced tardive dyskinesias with enhanced sensitivity of brain dopamine receptors, and the latter was blocker by cyclo (Leu-Gly), this agent may be of value in preventing the development of symptoms of neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesias.