Quinpirole is a
psychoactive drug and
research chemical which acts as a
selectiveD2 and
D3receptoragonist. It is used in
scientific research.[1][2][3] Quinpirole has been shown to increase locomotion and sniffing behavior in mice treated with it. At least one study has found that quinpirole induces compulsive behavior symptomatic of
obsessive compulsive disorder in rats.[4] Another study in rats show that quinpirole produces significant
THC-like effects when metabolic degradation of
anandamide is inhibited, supporting the hypothesis that these effects of quinpirole are mediated by
cannabinoidCB1 receptors.[5] Quinpirole may also reduce relapse in adolescent rat models of cocaine addiction.[6]
Experiments in flies found quinpirole may have
neuroprotective effects against
Parkinson's disease-like pathology.[7] Moreover, in primary neuronal cultures it also reduces the rate of firing in dopaminergic neurons.[7]
^Eilam D, Szechtman H (February 1989). "Biphasic effect of D-2 agonist quinpirole on locomotion and movements". European Journal of Pharmacology. 161 (2–3): 151–7.
doi:
10.1016/0014-2999(89)90837-6.
PMID2566488.
^Navarro JF, Maldonado E (September 1999). "Behavioral profile of quinpirole in agonistic encounters between male mice". Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology. 21 (7): 477–80.
doi:
10.1358/mf.1999.21.7.550110.
PMID10544391.
S2CID25978291.