Intracisternal administration of SKF-38393 and SCH-23390: behavioral effects in the rat fetus.

The dopamine D1 agonist SKF-38393 and the D1 antagonist SCH-23390 were administered into the central nervous system of the E21 rat fetus via intracisternal (IC) injection. IC injection of SKF-38393 promoted a dose-dependent increase in fetal motor activity, principally including movements of the forelimbs, head, and body trunk. IC injection of SCH-23390 did not affect overall activity, but selectively suppressed forelimb, rearlimb, and head movements and promoted an increase in mouthing, licking, and facial wiping. Administration of SCH-23390 after IC injection of SKF-38393 was effective in completely reversing the behavioral effects of the D1 agonist. These findings suggest that central manipulation of dopamine D1 receptors can have direct and potent behavioral effects in the term rat fetus.