Inhibitory Effects of 7-OH-DPAT, Dopamine D3-Receptor Agonist, on Nucleus Accumbens Neurons

Effects of 7-hydroxy-2-(N,N-di-n-propylamino)tetralin (7-OH-DPAT), a dopamine D 3 -receptor agonist, on neuronal activities of the nucleus accumbens (Acc) were examined in chloral hydrate-anesthetized rats. Spikes elicited by stimulation of the parafascicular nucleus were dose-dependently inhibited by microiontophoretic application of dopamine and 7-OH-DPAT. Glutamate-induced firing was also inhibited by these drugs. These findings suggest that D 3 receptors are also involved in the postsynaptic inhibition of Acc neuron by dopamine