Opposite effect of simple tetrahydroisoquinolines on amphetamine- and morphine-stimulated locomotor activity in mice

Summary.

Endogenous tetrahydroisoquinolines, such as 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ) and 1-methyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (salsolinol), were tested for their interaction with motor effects of amphetamine and morphine in C57BL/6 mice. TIQ binding to cortical adrenergic α₁, α₂ and β receptors, striatal dopamine D₁ and D₂ receptors and cortical L-type calcium channels in the Wistar rat was also studied. Both compounds in high doses reduced the mouse locomotor activity, and in doses not affecting activity inhibited the motor stimulation induced by amphetamine, 2 or 3 mg/kg ip, but facilitated the hyperactivity induced by 10 mg/kg of morphine. TIQ did not displace ligands that are antagonists for several receptor sites (including D₁ and D₂ receptors), but displaced an agonist of α₂-adrenoceptor, clonidine. It is proposed that TIQ and salsolinol specifically antagonize the agonistic conformation of dopamine receptor and that endogenous 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines may play a role of natural feedback regulators of the activity of dopaminergic system.