Dopamine D2 receptor agents, but not dopamine D1, modify brain glucose metabolism.

The effects of recently described selective dopamine D1 and D2 agonists and antagonists on brain glucose metabolism were studied using the 2-[14C]deoxyglucose autoradiographic technique. The administration of LY-141865 or YM-09151-2, which behave as a specific D2 agonist and antagonist respectively, modified brain glucose metabolism in a manner similar to that previously described for more classical dopaminergic agents, such as apomorphine and haloperidol. In contrast, the administration of SKF 38393 or SCH 23390, a specific D1 agonist and antagonist respectively, was not followed by significant modifications of brain glucose metabolism in any of the brain regions studied. These results indicate that D2 but not D1 dopamine receptors are involved in the regulation of local brain glucose metabolism.