DOPAMINERGIC INVOLVEMENT IN THE MECHANISM OF ACTION OF PENTAZOCINE

Pentazocine, a mixed agonist-antagonist opiate of the benzomorphan class, produces effects similar to those of morphine, but appears to do so by a mechanism which differs from that of morphine. Neurochemical and behavioral data are reviewed which suggest that this difference involves central dopaminergic systems. It is concluded that pentazocine produces some of its opiate agonist effects both by interaction with opiate receptors and by dopamine agonist actions. Possible means by which pentazocine might produce its dopaminergic effects are suggested, and possible implications of the proposed dual mechanism with respect to pentazocine's low dependence liability are discussed. © 1979 Academic Press, Inc.