Interactions of ergot compounds with dopamine receptors and endocrine functions.

Ergot compounds may affect endocrine systems through stimulatory and inhibitory dopamine receptors at the hypothalamic and the pituitary level. In most cases, with the exception of the prolactin and the melanotropin cell receptors, the characterization of the dopamine receptor involved is not yet satisfactory. Comparing in vivo or in vitro dopaminomimetic activities of ergot compounds produces a multiplicity of profiles of actions without a clear pattern.