Interaction of sulpride and ergot derivatives on rat brain DOPAC concentration and prolactin secretion in vivo

Sulpiride, which differs from classical neuroleptics by not producing major extrapyramidal side effects, is a potent antiemetic agent and stimulates prolactin secretion in both laboratory animals and man. In parallel it increases dopamine synthesis in both striatum and nucleus accumbens. Bromocriptine and metergoline are two effective agents in suppressing prolactin release and postulated to stimulate dopamine receptors. The interactions of these two ergot derivatives with sulpiride have been investigated on prolactin release and on striatal and limbic DOPAC accumulation. Bromocriptine at all doses tested was able to suppress the increased in vivo prolactin secretion observed after sulpiride administration. Metergoline antagonized the sulpiride-induced prolactin increase only at low doses; on the contrary higher doses potentiated it. High concentrations of bromocriptine suppressed the sulpiride-induced increased of DOPAC levels in striatum and n. accumbens, while metergoline potentiated the sulpiride-induced accumulation of brain DOPAC.