A68930: a potent and specific agonist for the D-1 dopamine receptor.

A68930 (5,6-dihydroxy-3-phenyl-1-aminomethyl-isochroman) is a potent (EC50 = 2.5 nmol/L) partial agonist at the D-1 dopamine receptor. In contrast, A68930 is a much weaker agonist (EC50 = 3,920 nmol/L) at the D-2 dopamine receptor. The orientation of the 3-phenyl substituent in the molecule is critical for the affinity and selectivity of the molecule towards the D-1 receptor in vitro and in vivo. The role of the D-1 receptor in the functioning of the basal ganglia is discussed.