Opposite modulation of cocaine-seeking behavior by D₁- and D₂-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 D₂-like, and not by D₁-like, dopamine receptor agonists in rats. Moreover, D₁-like receptor agonists prevented cocaine-seeking behavior induced by cocaine itself, whereas D₂-like receptor agonists enhanced this behavior, These results demonstrate an important dissociation between D₁- and D₂-like receptor processes in cocaine-seeking behavior and support further evaluation of D₁-like receptor agonists as a possible pharmacotherapy for cocaine addiction.