Neuropharmacological profile of a selective sigma ligand, igmesine: a potential antidepressant.

Igmesine is a selective sigma (sigma(1)) ligand that was reported to exert antidepressant action through an unknown mechanism of action. A number of neurochemical measures were taken in this study in efforts to understand its mode of action. Following 21-day drug treatments, the actions of igmesine on a number of neurochemical measures were investigated. Data obtained showed significant decreases in the densities of beta-adrenergic but not 5-HT(1A), sigma(1) and GABA(B) receptors in fluoxetine (18%), desipramine (DMI, 32%) and igmesine (20%)-treated groups when compared with control. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity was significantly (30-32%) reduced in all treated groups. Further, fluoxetine and DMI excluding the igmesine-treated groups showed 85 and 40% reductions in serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NE) neuronal uptake, respectively. Following acute treatment, igmesine lacked activity for monoamine oxidase (MAO) A or B (IC(50)>10 microM). In in vivo studies, at behaviorally active doses, igmesine showed weak effects on the NE uptake but lacked activity in altering 5-HT and DA synthesis or antagonizing selective drug-induced depletion of monoamine neuronal uptake. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced increases in cGMP was blocked by igmesine indicating that igmesine may interfere with the NMDA receptor/nitric oxide synthase/cGMP pathway. Although it appears that part of the pharmacological actions of igmesine is mediated by the monoaminergic system, there is still need to explore other possible mechanisms of antidepressant action.

PD 158771, a potential antipsychotic agent with D(2)/D(3) partial agonist and 5-HT(1A) agonist actions. I. Neurochemical effects.

The neurochemical effects of a novel dopamine (DA) D(2)-like and serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT(1A) agonist, PD 158771, are described. PD 158771 exhibited affinities for human D(2L), D(3) and D(4.2) receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells with K(i) (nM) values of 5.2, 13.7 and 34.8 respectively. PD 158771 showed high affinity for cloned human 5-HT(1A) (K(i) = 2.6 nM) and rat hippocampal 5-HT(1A) receptors (K(i) = 3.5 nM). Weaker affinities were observed at alpha 1-adrenergic (K(i) = 43 nM), histamine H(1) (IC(50) = 30 nM), 5-HT(2A) (K(i) = 24.5 nM) and sigma (sigma) -1 binding sites (K(i) = 24.5 nM). In measures of in vitro functional activity, PD 158771 stimulated [(3)H]thymidine uptake in CHO p-5 cells transfected with hD(3) receptors with a maximal effect of 23% relative to quinpirole. In hD(2)L, the corresponding value was 60% with an EC(50) of 29 nM, again indicating partial DA agonist action of PD 158771. In vivo, PD 158771 produced a dose-related decrease in DA synthesis in the striatum and mesolimbic regions of rat brain treated with gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), indicating a DA autoreceptor agonist action. In animals not treated with GBL, PD 158771 produced a dose-related decrease in DA synthesis and extracellular DA. A decrease in 5-HT synthesis in several brain areas was observed consistent with an agonist response. Further support for DA autoreceptor agonist action is that PD 158771 produced a partial inhibition of the firing of substantia nigra zona compacta DA neurons, an effect reversed by haloperidol. In conclusion, PD 158771 exhibited affinities for DA and 5-HT receptors, appears to possess DA and 5-HT agonist actions; and it could provide improved antipsychotic profile with minimal side effects.

A series of 6- and 7-piperazinyl- and -piperidinylmethylbenzoxazinones with dopamine D4 antagonist activity: discovery of a potential atypical antipsychotic agent.

As part of a program to develop dopamine D4 antagonists for the treatment of schizophrenia, we discovered a series of 6- and 7-(phenylpiperazinyl)- and -(phenylpiperidinyl)methylbenzoxazinones through mass screening of our compound library. A structure-activity relationship SAR study was carried out involving substituents on the phenyl ring, and several selective D4 antagonists were identified. The 7-substituted benzoxazinones showed more activity in neurochemical and behavioral tests than the 6-substituted series. One of the most potent and selective compounds (26) was found to have potent activity in animal tests predictive of antipsychotic activity in humans after oral administration. This paper describes the SAR of the benzoxazinone series and the preclinical characterization of 26.

Reduction of 3,4-diaminopyridine-induced biogenic amine synthesis and release in rat brain by gabapentin.

The anticonvulsant drug gabapentin has been shown recently to exhibit anxiolytic and analgesic actions in animals. Such actions have been postulated in part to reflect effects on biogenic amine neuronal activity. Therefore the effects of gabapentin on biogenic amine neuronal activity were assessed by measuring the synthesis of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) in rat brain and on the release of [3H] NE from rat hippocampal slices both in the presence and absence of the depolarizing agent 3,4-diaminopyridine (DAP). Gabapentin (30 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) did not alter the basal synthesis rates of NE and DA as assessed by the unchanged accumulation of L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) in the NE-enriched hippocampus and cortex and in the DA-enriched striatum and mesolimbic areas. Gabapentin also did not alter 5-HT synthesis as determined by the unaltered accumulation of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) in the same brain areas. DAP (2 mg/kg, i.p.) induced a modest but significant increase in DOPA accumulation in the hippocampal, mesolimbic and striatal regions. This DAP-induced increase in DOPA accumulation was antagonized significantly in the hippocampus and mesolimbic regions by gabapentin at 30 and 100 mg/kg and in striatum by 100 mg/kg; a 10 mg/kg dose was inactive. DAP increased selectively 5-HT synthesis in hippocampus and this effect was blocked by gabapentin. These findings indicate that the increased synthesis of biogenic amines induced by DAP is antagonized by gabapentin. In support of the in vivo studies, gabapentin was also shown to inhibit the DAP-evoked release of [3H]NE from hippocampal slices. Although the underlying mechanism for these effects is unclear, the present findings nevertheless demonstrate that gabapentin has inhibitory effects on stimulated NE, DA and 5-HT neurons that may be involved in explaining in part the CNS effects of this drug.

Pharmacological characterization of PD 152255, a novel dimeric benzimidazole dopamine D3 antagonist.

152255 (E-1,1'-(2-butene-1,4-diyl)bis[2-[4-[3-(1-piperidinyl)propoxy]-phe nyl]-1H-benzimidazole]) exhibited high affinity (Ki = 12.7 nM) for human dopamine (DA) D3 receptors expressed in CHO K1 cells but not for DA D2L receptors (Ki = 565 nM), DA D42 or DA D1 receptors (Ki > 3 microM) and a number of other neurotransmitter receptors. Affinity for human muscarinic receptors was seen in vitro but no functional muscarinic agonist and/or antagonist action was observed in vivo. Antagonist activity at DA D3 receptors was demonstrated by blockade of quinpirole-stimulated [3H]-thymidine uptake in D3 transfected cells, an effect that was 28-fold more potent than in D2-transfected cells. Unlike classical DA D2 antagonists, PD 152255 did not increase rat brain DA synthesis and it increased locomotion in habituated rats. However, like antipsychotics, PD 152255 reduced locomotor activity in mice and reduced spontaneous and amphetamine-stimulated locomotion in nonhabituated rats. These results demonstrate that PD 152255 is a DA D3 antagonist that may have antipsychotic activity.

Isoindolinone enantiomers having affinity for the dopamine D4 receptor.

PD 108635 (1) was identified as a potent dopamine D4 ligand and we wanted to replace the benzylic alcohol with a metabolically more stable moiety. Investigations led to the discovery of a series of isoindolinones having D4 affinity.

Effects of the dopamine D3 antagonist PD 58491 and its interaction with the dopamine D3 agonist PD 128907 on brain dopamine synthesis in rat.

The dopamine (DA) D3 receptor antagonist PD 58491 [3-[4-[1-[4-[2-[4-(3-diethylaminopropoxy)phenyl]benzoimidazol++ +-1-yl-butyl]-1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl]phenoxy]propyl]diethylamine] bound with high affinity and selectivity to recombinant human DA D3 versus D2L and D4.2 receptors transfected into Chinese hamster ovary cells: Ki values of 19.5 nM versus 2,362 and >3,000 nM, respectively. In contrast, the putative DA D3 receptor antagonist (+)-AJ76 displayed low affinity and selectivity for D3 versus D2L and D4.2 receptors (91 nM vs. 253 and 193 nM, respectively). In vitro, PD 58491 (1 nM-1 microM) exhibited D3 receptor antagonist activity, reversing the quinpirole (10 nM)-induced stimulation of [3H]thymidine uptake in D3 CHOpro-5 cells, but did not have any significant intrinsic activity by itself in this assay. PD 58491 did not decrease the gamma-butyrolactone-induced increase in DA synthesis (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine accumulation) in rat striatum, indicating that the compound possessed no in vivo DA D2/D3 receptor agonist action at DA autoreceptors. PD 58491 (3-30 mg/kg, i.p.) generally did not alter DA or serotonin synthesis in either the striatum or mesolimbic region of rat brain. The D3-preferring agonist PD 128907 decreased DA synthesis in striatum and mesolimbic regions, and this effect was attenuated by pretreatment with PD 58491. These findings support the hypothesis that DA D3 autoreceptors may in part modulate the synthesis and release of DA in striatum and mesolimbic regions.

The pharmacology of the novel and selective sigma ligand, PD 144418.

The pharmacology of PD 144418 (1-propyl-5-(3-p-tolyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) was characterized using neurochemical, biochemical and behavioral techniques. For sigma (sigma 1 and sigma 2 respectively) sites, PD 144418 affinities were determined using whole guinea pig brain membranes with [3H](+)-pentazocine and neuroblastoma x glioma cell membranes using [3H]1,3,di-O-tolylguanidine (DTG) in the presence of 200 nM (+)-pentazocine. PD 144418 exhibited an affinity for sigma 1 of 0.08 nM (Ki) versus a K1 of 1377 nM for sigma 2 site. Additional receptor binding studies indicated that PD 144418 lacked affinity for dopaminergic, adrenergic, muscarinic and a variety of other receptors. In vitro studies indicated that PD 144418 reversed the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced increase in cyclic GMP (cGMP) in rat cerebellar slices without affecting the basal levels, suggesting that sigma 1 sites may be important in the regulation of glutamine-induced actions. PD 144418 potentiated the decrease in 5-hydroxytryptophan caused by haloperidol in the mesolimbic region, but by itself had no effect in 5-hydroxytrypamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) synthesis. Behaviorally, similar to other sigma ligands, PD 144418 antagonized mescaline-induced scratching at doses that did not alter spontaneous motor activity. This action is suggestive of potential antipsychotic property. It exhibited no anxiolytic and antidepressant properties in the models used. These results show that PD 144418 is a very selective sigma 1 agent, devoid of any significant affinity for other receptors and that sigma 1 site may modulate actions in the CNS.

3-[[(4-Aryl-1-piperazinyl)alkyl]cyclohexyl]-1H-indoles as dopamine D2 partial agonists and autoreceptor agonists.

A series of arylpiperazines and tetrahydropyridines joined to indoles by semirigid cycloalkyl spacers were prepared. Target compounds were studied for their ability to bind to the DA D2 receptor in vitro and to inhibit dopamine synthesis and spontaneous locomotor activity in rats. Effects of tether length and relative stereochemistry were assessed for a series of 2-pyridylpiperazines. The cyclohexylethyl spacer was found to be the most active in the series. Further studies explored effects of changes in the arylpiperazine and indole portions of the molecule. From these studies trans-2-[[4-(1H-3-indolyl)cyclohexyl]ethyl]-4- (2-pyridinyl)piperazine (30a) was selected for further evaluation. It was characterized as a partial agonist of DA D2 receptors in vitro and caused decreases in dopamine synthesis and release as well as dopamine neuronal firing. Compound 30a was shown to be devoid of behavioral effects associated with postsynaptic DA D2 receptor activation. Furthermore, compound 30a was shown both to decrease DA synthesis and to inhibit Sidman avoidance responding in squirrel monkeys. These findings suggest that DA D2 partial agonists with the appropriate level of intrinsic activity can act to decrease dopamine synthesis and release and may have potential utility as antipsychotic agents.

Neurochemical and functional characterization of the preferentially selective dopamine D3 agonist PD 128907.

The present study determined the biochemical and pharmacological effects of PD 128907 [R-(+)-trans-3,4,4a,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H- [1]benzopyrano[4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol], a dopamine (DA) receptor agonist that shows a preference for the human D3 receptor. In transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO K1), PD 128907 displaced [3H]spiperone in a biphasic fashion which fit best to a two-site model, generating Ki values of 20 and 6964 nM for the high- and low-affinity sites for the D2L receptors and 1.43 and 413 nM for the corresponding sites for the D3 receptors. Addition of sodium and the GTP analog Gpp(NH)p to both the D2L and D3 caused a modest reduction in the affinity of the compound suggestive of an agonist type action. In agonist binding ([3H]N-0437), PD 128907 exhibited an 18-fold selectivity for D3 versus D2L, a selectivity similar to that found with antagonist binding to the high-affinity sites. PD 128907 exhibited only weak affinity for D4.2 receptors (Ki = 169 nM). No significant affinity for a variety of other receptors was observed. PD 128907 stimulated cell division (measured by [3H]thymidine uptake) in CHO p-5 cells transfected with either D2L or D3 receptors exhibiting about a 6.3-fold greater potency in activating D3 as compared to D2L receptors. In vivo the compound was active in reducing DA synthesis both in normal and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) treated rats; in the GBL model, the decrease was greater in the higher D3-expressing mesolimbic region as compared with striatum which has a lower expression of D3 receptors. PD 128907 decreased DA release (as measured by brain microdialysis) both in rat striatum, nucleus accumbens and medial frontal cortex, as well as in monkey putamen. Behaviorally PD 128907 decreased spontaneous locomotor activity (LMA) in rats at low doses, whereas at higher doses stimulatory effects were observed. PD 128907 at high doses reversed the reserpine-induced decrease in LMA and induced stereotypy in combination with the D1 agonist SKF 38393 indicating postsynaptic DA agonist actions. It is unclear which of the subtypes of DA receptors might be mediating the pharmacological effects of PD 128907. However, the present findings indicating that PD 128907 shows a preference for DA D3 over D2L and D4.2 receptors indicates that its action at low doses may be due to interaction with D3 receptors and at higher doses, with both D2 and D3 receptors.

CI-1007, a dopamine partial agonist and potential antipsychotic agent. I. Neurochemical effects.

The receptor binding and biochemical effects of the putative dopamine (DA) partial agonist CI-1007 ([R(+)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-phenyl- 1-[(3-phenyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)methyl]pyridine] maleate) and potential antipsychotic were evaluated with a variety of biochemical methods. In receptor binding studies, CI-1007 bound to rat striatal DA receptors exhibiting a Ki of 3 nM as assessed by inhibition of [3H]N-propylnorapomorphine binding. CI-1007 also exhibited high affinity for cloned human D2L (Ki = 25.5 nM) and D3 (Ki = 16.6 nM) receptors with less affinity for D4.2 receptors (Ki = 90.9 nM). The affinity for serotonin-1A (5-HT-1A), alpha-2 adrenergic and 5-HT-2 receptors was moderate (submicromolar range) and slight or negligible for alpha-1, DA D1 and various other receptors. Unlike dopamine, the inhibition of [3H]spiperone binding was monophasic for CI-1007 and only slightly affected by the addition of Gpp-(NH)p. In vitro CI-1007 antagonized the forskolin-induced increases in cyclic AMP levels in GH4C1 cells expressing the human D2L receptor, having an intrinsic activity of 53% of that seen with the full agonist quinpirole. In vivo CI-1007 antagonized the gamma-butyrolactone (GBL)-induced accumulation of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine in striatum and mesolimbic regions of rat brain, causing a maximal 64% reversal in striatum, consistent with a partial agonist profile. In microdialysis studies it decreased DA overflow in both striatum and nucleus accumbens, indicating decreased release of DA. CI-1007 also reduced brain DA synthesis (DOPA accumulation), metabolism (DOPAC and HVA) and utilization (after tyrosine hydroxylase inhibition with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine). CI-1007 did not affect striatal acetylcholine levels indicating lack of potent postsynaptic DA actions. CI-1007 seemed to be selective for DA neurons as it did not alter rat brain norepinephrine (NE) synthesis in the NE-enriched brainstem or NE utilization in the mesolimbic region. In addition, it did not affect in general 5-HT synthesis and metabolism in striatum and mesolimbic regions. These neurochemical results demonstrate that CI-1007 is a selective potent brain dopamine partial agonist with limited agonist activity at postsynaptic DA receptors.

Agonist properties of a stable hexapeptide analog of neurotensin, N alpha MeArg-Lys-Pro-Trp-tLeu-Leu (NT1).

The major signal transduction pathway for neurotensin (NT) receptors is the G-protein-dependent stimulation of phospholipase C, leading to the mobilization of intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and the stimulation of cyclic GMP. We investigated the functional actions of an analog of NT(8-13), N alpha MeArg-Lys-Pro-Trp-tLeu-Leu (NT1), and other NT related analogs by quantitative measurement of the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration in HT-29 (human colonic adenocarcinoma) cells using the Ca(2+)-sensitive dye fura-2/AM and by effects on cyclic GMP levels in rat cerebellar slices. The NT receptor binding affinities for these analogs to HT-29 cell membranes and newborn (10-day-old) mouse brain membranes were also investigated. Data obtained from HT-29 cell and mouse brain membrane preparations showed saturable single high-affinity sites and binding densities (Bmax) of 130.2 and 87.5 fmol/mg protein, respectively. The respective KD values were 0.47 and 0.39 nM, and the Hill coefficients were 0.99 and 0.92. The low-affinity levocabastine-sensitive site was not present (K1 > 10,000) in either membrane preparation. Although the correlation of binding between HT-29 cell membranes and mouse brain membranes was quite significant (r = 0.92), some of the reference agents had lower binding affinities in the HT-29 cell membranes. The metabolically stable compound NT1 plus other NT analogs and related peptides [NT, NT(8-13), xenopsin, neuromedin N, NT(9-13), kinetensin and (D-Trp11)-NT] increased intracellular Ca2+ levels in HT-29 cells, indicating NT receptor agonist properties. The effect of NT1 in mobilizing [Ca2+]i blocked by SR 48692, a non-peptide NT antagonist. Receptor binding affinities of NT analogs to HT-29 cell membranes were positively correlated with potencies for mobilizing intracellular calcium in the same cells. In addition, NT1 increased cyclic GMP levels in rat cerebellar slices, confirming the latter findings of its NT agonist action. These results substantiate the in vitro NT agonist properties of the hexapeptide NT analog NT1.

Differential effects of the nonpeptide neurotensin antagonist, SR 48692, on the pharmacological effects of neurotensin agonists.

In in vitro studies, SR 48692, a nonpeptide neurotensin receptor antagonist, inhibited the binding of [3H] or [125I]neurotensin to membrane preparations from 10-day-old mouse brains and from HT-29 cells with Ki values of 3.9 and 8.6 nM, respectively. SR 48692 also antagonized the neurotensin-induced mobilization of intracellular calcium in HT-29 cells, in agreement with previous findings. In rat cerebellar slices SR 48692 blocked the increase in cyclic GMP levels evoked by neurotensin in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, SR 48692 antagonized the increase in rat brain mesolimbic dopamine turnover induced by the systemically active neurotensin peptide, EI [(N-Me)Arg-Lys-Pro-Trp-tert-Leu-Leu]. No effects on dopamine turnover of either EI or SR 48692 were observed in the striatum. SR 48692 did not antagonize the EI-induced decreases in mouse body temperature and spontaneous locomotor activity (LMA) or the decreases in LMA induced by ICV-administered neurotensin. Although other explanations are possible, these findings support the hypothesis that a subtype of the NT receptor may mediate the locomotor and hypothermic actions of this peptide and that it is different from the NT receptor that is involved in dopamine turnover.

Pharmacological profile of the dopamine partial agonist, (+/-)-PD 128483 and its enantiomers.

(+/-)-PD 128483, ((+/-)-4,5,5a,6,7,8-hexahydro-6-methylthiazolo[4,5-f]-quinolin+ ++-2-amine, maleate (1:1)), is a racemic compound that is a p.o. active dopamine (DA) partial agonist that has DA autoreceptor agonist effects and displays antipsychoticlike activity in preclinical tests. In in vitro receptor binding assays, (+/-)-PD 128483 and its enantiomers bound selectively to DA D-2 receptors vs. DA D-1 receptors and showed no affinity for adrenergic alpha-1 or serotonin1A receptors, but had affinity for adrenergic alpha-2 receptors. In tests of DA agonist effects, including reversal of the tau-butyrolactone-stimulated increase in brain dopa synthesis in striatum and inhibition of DA neuronal firing, the rank order of efficacy was (+)-PD 128483 > (+/-)-PD 128483 > (-)-PD 128483. (+/-)-PD 128483 and (+)-PD 128483 inhibited, whereas (-)-PD 128483 increased, brain DA synthesis in normal rats. (+/-)-PD 128483 and (-)-PD 128483 inhibited spontaneous locomotion in rats and did not produce locomotor stimulation or stereotypies. In contrast, (+)-PD 128483 inhibited locomotor activity at low doses, but at relatively high doses increased locomotion and induced stereotypy in rats. (-)-PD 128483 consistently inhibited Sidman avoidance responding in squirrel monkeys. (+/-)-PD 128483 inhibited Sidman avoidance responding in one group of monkeys, but had minimal effects in another group. (+)-PD 128483 did not inhibit avoidance responding. In squirrel or cebus monkeys sensitized to the acute dystonic effects of haloperidol, only (-)-PD 128483 induced extrapyramidal dysfunction. These results indicate that (+/-)-PD 128483 is a DA partial agonist which produces DA autoreceptor agonist effects and has a preclinical behavioral profile suggestive of antipsychotic activity.

Pharmacological characterization of PD 118717, a putative piperazinyl benzopyranone dopamine autoreceptor agonist.

PD 118717 (7-[3-[4-(2-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazinyl]-propoxy]-2H-1- benzopyran-2-one sulfate) proved to be a dopamine (DA) D-2 autoreceptor agonist in biochemical and electrophysiological studies in rats and to exhibit an antipsychotic-like profile in behavioral tests in rodents and monkeys. In vitro binding studies indicated that PD 118717 bound selectively to DA D-2 vs. D-1 receptors and exhibited agonist binding properties (biphasic inhibitory curves and GTP shift) similar to DA. It also had significant affinity for serotonin-(5-HT)1A but not 5-HT1B and 5-HT2 receptors. PD 118717 was active in antagonizing the tau-butyrolactone-induced accumulation of dopa in rat striatum and mesolimbic regions. PD 118717 also depressed the firing of DA neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta of rats. In both of the latter tests the effects of PD 118717 were reversed by haloperidol. PD 118717 decreased brain DA metabolism, decreased DA utilization, decreased accumulation of dopa after inhibition of L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, stimulated serum corticosterone and inhibited stimulated serum prolactin levels. PD 118717 did not alter striatal acetylcholine levels; nor did it induce locomotor stimulation or stereotypy in normal animals, suggesting a lack of postsynaptic DA stimulation of normosensitive DA receptors. In tests designed to reveal even weak postsynaptic DA agonist effects, PD 118717 stimulated locomotor activity in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned animals and relatively higher doses induced a low degree of stereotyped behavior when combined with the DA D-1 agonist SKF 38393. PD 118717 decreased the accumulation of 5-hydroxytryptophan in brain, an effect probably due to an agonist action at 5-HT1A receptors. PD 118717 decreased spontaneous locomotor activity in rodents, antagonized amphetamine-stimulated hyperactivity in mice and inhibited Sidman avoidance in monkeys, effects seen with antipsychotic agents. Unlike DA antagonist antipsychotics, PD 118717 did not induce extrapyramidal dysfunction in monkeys. PD 118717 displayed behavioral activity after p.o. dosing and its effects did not show tolerance on repeated dosing. In conclusion, PD 118717 has the profile of a DA autoreceptor agonist in neurochemical and neurophysiological tests and produces effects suggestive of antipsychotic efficacy without neurological side effect liability in preclinical behavioral tests.