Opposite modulation of cocaine-seeking behavior by D-1- and D-2-like dopamine receptor agonists

Activation of the mesolimbic dopamine system is known to trigger relapse in animal models of cocaine-seeking behavior. We found that this ''priming'' effect was selectively induced by D-2-like, and not by D-1-like, dopamine receptor agonists in rats. Moreover, D-1-like receptor agonists prevented cocaine-seeking behavior induced by cocaine itself, whereas D-1-like receptor agonists enhanced this behavior, These results demonstrate an important dissociation between D-1- and D-2-like receptor processes in cocaine-seeking behavior and support further evaluation of D-1-like receptor agonists as a possible pharmacotherapy for cocaine addiction.