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Disruption of prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex by the preferential D3 agonist ropinirole in healthy males

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Abstract

Rationale

Emerging evidence from agonist–antagonist studies suggests a role for the dopamine D3 receptor subtype in the regulation of PPI in animals, but such evidence is lacking for human subjects.

Objectives

This study examines the effect of the preferential D3 agonist ropinirole on PPI in humans.

Methods

PPI was tested in 12 healthy men in three sessions associated with ropinirole 0.25 mg, ropinirole 0.5 mg, or placebo according to a balanced, crossover, double-blind design. Two prepulses (75- and 85-dB white noise bursts) and two lead intervals (50 and 80 ms) were employed.

Results

Ropinirole 0.5 mg significantly reduced prepulse inhibition (PPI) with both prepulses at the 80-ms lead intervals. There was no effect of treatment on startle amplitude and habituation.

Conclusions

These results suggest a role for the dopamine D3 receptor in the mediation of human PPI, although a contribution from ropinirole’s agonistic activity at the D2 receptor cannot be entirely excluded. Firm conclusions on the role of the D3 receptor in the modulation of human PPI can only be drawn with the use of genetic approaches or more selective ligands for this receptor.

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Acknowledgements

The authors have no conflict of interest or any involvement, financial or otherwise, that might have biased the present work. This project was supported by the University of Crete Research Funds Account (E.L.K.E. 1348). The experiments described in the present study comply with the current laws of Greece, where the study was performed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, P.O. Box 2208, Heraklion, 71003, Crete, Greece

    Stella G. Giakoumaki, Panos Roussos & Panos Bitsios

  2. Section of Neurobiology of Psychosis, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK

    Sophia Frangou

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  1. Stella G. Giakoumaki
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  2. Panos Roussos
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  3. Sophia Frangou
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  4. Panos Bitsios
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Correspondence to Panos Bitsios.

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Giakoumaki, S.G., Roussos, P., Frangou, S. et al. Disruption of prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex by the preferential D3 agonist ropinirole in healthy males. Psychopharmacology 194, 289–295 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-007-0843-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-007-0843-7

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