Hypothermic effects of apomorphine homologues in mice.

A single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection in mice of apomorphine (I) and its analogues norapomorphine (II), N-ethylnorapomorphine (III), N-n-propylnorapomorphine (IV) and apocodeine (V), caused dose-related decreases in deep-core body temperature. The neuroleptic agent haloperidol blocked the hypothermia produced by these apomorphines but alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine failed to do so. This indicated a direct post-synaptic stimulation of dopamine receptors. Methysergide potentiated the hypothermic effect of the apomorphine analogues. Taking the amount of apomorphine to produce a 3 degree C fall in temperature at 30 min as unity, the approximate relative potencies were: I 1.00, II 0.06, III 47.50, IV 85.00, V 0.340. The doses of the apomorphines needed to produce hypothermia were much less than those needed to cause stereotypy. The ratios of the minimal doses required to produce hypothermia, to those producing stereotypy were: I 8.82, II 4.00, III 125.00, IV 28.50, V 1.43.