The role of dopamine D1-receptors in morphine-induced hyperlocomotion in mice.

The effects of treatment with dopamine (DA) D1-agonist SKF38393 and D2-agonist quinpirole on morphine-induced hyperlocomotion were investigated in mice. Morphine-induced hyperlocomotion was increased by approximately 2.0-fold in SKF38393 (10 nmol, i.c.v.)-treated mice. Pretreatment with SCH23390 antagonized the enhancing effect of SKF38393. In contrast, pretreatment with quinpirole (10 nmol, i.c.v.) reduced morphine-induced hyperlocomotion. Morphine significantly increased DA metabolite levels, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid in the limbic forebrain (nucleus accumbens and olfactory tubercle). This elevation of DA metabolites by treatment with morphine was not modified by the co-administration of SKF38393. These results suggest that the activation of D1-receptors in the limbic forebrain may enhance the expression of morphine-induced hyperlocomotion.