Effects of D1 and D2 antagonists on basal and apomorphine decreased body temperature in mice and rats.

In these experiments representative selective antagonists at D1 (SCH 23390) and D2 (haloperidol) receptors were studied for their effects on basal and apomorphine decreased body temperature in mice and rats. In mice, SCH 23390 (up to 3 mg/kg SC) neither affected basal body temperature nor blocked apomorphine-induced hypothermia (AIH). On the other hand, haloperidol alone was hypothermic and paradoxically also blocked AIH in mice. In rats, SCH 23390 alone produced hyperthermia; the mechanism by which this occurred is not known. SCH 23390 also blocked AIH in rats. However, the inhibition of AIH only occurred at doses of SCH 23390 that were themselves hyperthermic. Haloperidol did not alter basal body temperature but did block AIH in rats. These data suggest that apomorphine-induced body temperature changes are D2 mediated.