Bromocriptine-induced hypothermia: D-2 receptor involvement.

Bromocriptine (2-16 mg/kg, i.p.) caused a dose-dependent fall in core body temperature of mice. The hypothermic effect of bromocriptine was decreased by pretreatment of the animals with sulpiride, but SCH 23390, methergoline, phenoxybenzamine, propranolol and atropine did not decrease the response. Administration of reserpine plus alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine prior to bromocriptine injection abolished hypothermia in mice. It is concluded that D-2 dopamine receptors may be involved in bromocriptine-induced hypothermia.