Enhances prefrontal signal-to-noise → attention and working memory
stimulants act indirectly (↑ synaptic DA) ◇ “Don’t be the Distracted One”
Facilitates movement through the striatal direct pathway
facilitates movement → ↓ bradykinesia
Pulsatile stimulation can promote dyskinesia
pulsatile D1 stimulation contributes to levodopa-induced dyskinesia ◇ sensitization of direct pathway neurons ◇ maladaptive plasticity in striatal circuits
Drugs with this mechanism (3)
Dopamine — Dose-sensitive endogenous catecholamine agonist used IV for selected shock and hypotension.
Fenoldopam — IV D1 agonist for hypertensive emergencies; preserves renal flow.
Rotigotine — Transdermal dopamine agonist for Parkinson and restless legs.
Self-check
How does peripheral D1 agonism affect renal blood flow? Increases it.
Which striatal pathway does central D1 agonism facilitate? The direct pathway.