Quinpirole is a psychoactive drug and research chemical which acts as a selectiveD2 and D3receptoragonist. It is used in scientific research.[1][2][3] Quinpirole has been shown to increase locomotion and sniffing behavior in mice treated with it. At least one study has found that quinpirole induces compulsive behavior symptomatic of obsessive compulsive disorder in rats.[4] Another study in rats show that quinpirole produces significant THC-like effects when metabolic degradation of anandamide is inhibited, supporting the hypothesis that these effects of quinpirole are mediated by cannabinoidCB1 receptors.[5] Quinpirole may also reduce relapse in adolescent rat models of cocaine addiction.[6]
Experiments in flies found quinpirole may have neuroprotective effects against Parkinson's disease-like pathology.[7] Moreover, in primary neuronal cultures it also reduces the rate of firing in dopaminergic neurons.[7]
^Eilam D, Szechtman H (February 1989). "Biphasic effect of D-2 agonist quinpirole on locomotion and movements". European Journal of Pharmacology. 161 (2–3): 151–7. doi:10.1016/0014-2999(89)90837-6. PMID2566488.
^Navarro JF, Maldonado E (September 1999). "Behavioral profile of quinpirole in agonistic encounters between male mice". Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology. 21 (7): 477–80. doi:10.1358/mf.1999.21.7.550110. PMID10544391. S2CID25978291.