Dopamine release and metabolism in the rat frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and striatum: a comparison of acute clozapine and haloperidol.

1. The effects of the typical and typical neuroleptic agents clozapine (CLZ) (2.5-20 mg kg-1, i.p.) and haloperidol (Hal) (0.05-1.0 mg kg-1), were compared on dopamine release and metabolism in the rat prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (ACC) and striatum (ST). Dopamine release was estimated by measuring the steady-state concentration of 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT) and the level of 3-MT 10 min after pargyline (3-MT accumulation); dopamine metabolism was evaluated from the steady-state concentrations of its acidic metabolites. 2. Both drugs increased 3-MT accumulation in the PFC in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast to Hal, CLZ failed to increase 3-MT accumulation in the ACC or ST. The ST was the region most sensitive to Hal in terms of 3-MT accumulation and, by inference, dopamine release. 3. Both CLZ and Hal dose-dependently elevated the concentrations of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in all 3 brain regions studied. The ACC appears to be the region most sensitive to these drugs in terms of changes in the levels of HVA. 4. The result of the present investigations suggest measurements of 3-MT production in the 3 brain regions analysed might be a useful and simple pharmacological tool in the search for atypical neuroleptic drugs with a selectivity of action for the cortical systems.