The selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonists, SB 277011-A and S 33084 block haloperidol-induced catalepsy in rats.

SB 277011-A (trans-N-[4-[2-(6-cyano-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-yl)ethyl]cyclohexyl]-4-quinolinecarboxamide) and S 33084 [(3aR,9bS)-N4-(8-cyano-1,3a,4,9b-tetrahydro-3H-benzopyrano[3,4-c]pyrrole-2-yl)-butylbenzamide] were already shown to lack cataleptogenic actions. Further to that, we report that SB 277011 exerted a dose-dependent dampening on the development of haloperidol-induced catalepsy in the dose-range of 13.5-30 mg/kg p.o. while S 33084, at the dose of 0.625 mg/kg sc. significantly inhibited catalepsy induced by haloperidol; had no effect at 1.25 mg/kg, and further augmented the effect of haloperidol after 2.5 mg/kg. The compounds also produced effective inhibition when administered 2 hours after haloperidol. The results underline that dopamine D3 receptor antagonist action may have therapeutic value in the treatment of schizophrenia.