Dopamine-mimetic activity of ergot derivatives, as measured by the production of cyclic AMP in isolated retinae of the rabbit.

The effects of several ergot alkaloid derivatives on the concentration of cyclic AMP in intact rabbit retinae were investigated in vitro. All compounds were found to be potent inducers of cyclic AMP production, half-maximal stimulation being obtained at 10(-6)M, and maximal stimulation at 10(-4)M concentrations. The range of effective concentrations was very well comparable with that of dopamine (or apomorphine) in the same experimental conditions. Furthermore, the accumulation of cyclic AMP induced by the ergot derivatives was blocked by fluphenazine, at 10(-4)-5 X 10(-4)M, or lithium, at 5 X 10(-2)M concentrations. Both antipsychotic drugs were found to be very potent inhibitors of dopamine-(or apomorphine-) induced production of cyclic AMP in the same preparation. A potential dopamine-mimetic activity of ergot derivatives (or of other dopamine-like drugs) can be specifically tested on isolated rabbit retinae in vitro, either before undertaking experiments in vivo or in correlation with behavioural studies.