Effects of ensaculin on dopamine metabolite levels and K(+)-induced glutamate release

In vivo microdialysis with the new antidementia compound ensaculin was performed in freely moving rats to study the alterations in dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. Ensaculin (0.1 and 1 mg/kg i.p.) significantly increased extracellular levels of the dopamine metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA). Furthermore, ensaculin (1 mg/kg i.p.) showed a non-significant tendency to reduce the K(+)-induced glutamate release. The data suggest that ensaculin may have moderate D(2) antagonistic properties. Thus, besides its possible role as a cognitive enhancer, ensaculin may also have moderate antipsychotic properties.