Dopamine D2 receptor agents, but not dopamine D1, modify brain glucose metabolism

The effects of recently described selective dopamine D₁ and D₂ agonists and antagonists on brain glucose metabolism were studied using the 2-[¹⁴C]deoxyglucose autoradiographic technique. The administration of LY-141865 or YM-09151-2, which behave as a specific D₂ agonist and antagonist respectively, modified brain glucose metabolism in a manner similar to that previously described for more classical dopaminergic agents, such as apomorphine and haloperidol. In contrast, the administration of SKF 38393 or SCH 23390, a specific D₁ agonist and antagonist respectively, was not followed by significant modifications of brain glucose metabolism in any of the brain regions studied. These results indicate that D₂ but not D₁ dopamine receptors are involved in the regulation of local brain glucose metabolism.