Guanine nucleotides reveal differential actions of ergot derivatives at D-2 receptors labelled by [ 3H]spiperone in striatal homogenates

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The specific binding of [3H]spiperone (35 pM), as defined by the D-2 antagonist sulpiride, was potently displaced by ergot derivatives of both the ergoline and ergopeptine type, and by dopamine agonists and antagonists. The potency of the ergot derivatives ranged widely from an IC50 value of 3 nM for bromocriptine to a value of 1000 nM for the partial ergoline, LY-141865. GTP and its stable analogue, guanyl-5'-yl-imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p), did not affect the affinity (100 pM) or density (30 pmol/g wet wt) of [3H]spiperone binding sites, but did decrease the potency of a number of ergoline compounds including pergolide, lergotrile and LY-141865, as well as dopamine agonists to displace [3H]spiperone binding. The affinities of the ergopeptines, bromocriptine and dihydroergocryptine, and of the isolysergic acid ergoline, lisuride, and dopamine antagonists were unaltered by the presence of guanine nucleotides. The effect was specific for guanine nucleotides, with near maximal effects on agonist affinity observed in the presence of a 100 microM concentration of nucleotide. The relative decrease in affinity found in the presence of GTP or Gpp(NH)p varied widely for individual ergot derivatives and dopamine agonists. The largest decrease was seen with dopamine itself, and agonists such as the tetralins and with LY-141865. Many ergolines had shifts in potency between those seen for agonists and antagonists, suggesting a partial agonist action at D-2 receptors. Guanine nucleotide sensitivity may represent a valuable in vitro method for studying the agonist/antagonist properties of dopaminergic drugs, such as the semi-synthetic ergoline compounds.