Dopamine D3 agonists disrupt social behavior in rats

Abstract Behavioral studies were conducted in rats administered a selective D 3 agonist, 7-hydroxy- N,N -di- n -propyl-2-aminotetralin (7-OHDPAT) or 4aR,10bR-(+)-trans-3,4,4a,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]benzopyrano[4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol (PD 128907). Both drugs induced disruption of huddling behavior in rats at doses that did not produce hyperlocomotion. The effects of the D 3 agonists were dependent upon dosage and time after administration. These results suggest that D 3 receptors are concerned with social interaction in rats.