Sulpiride isomers exhibit reversed stereospecificity for D-1 and D-2 dopamine receptors in the CNS.

We have investigated the stereospecificity of the interaction of (-) and (+)sulpiride with [3H]cis-flupentixol and [3H]spiperone binding to D-1 and D-2 dopamine receptors respectively in rat striatum. Both isomers of sulpiride compete more potently at D-2 vs. D-1 dopamine receptors. (-)Sulpiride is 50-fold more potent than (+)sulpiride in blocking D-2 receptors, while (+)sulpiride is 3-fold more potent than (-)sulpiride at D-1 receptors. This reversed stereospecificity of sulpiride interactions with CNS D-1 and D-2 dopamine receptors is similar to the stereospecificity of sulpiride interactions at DA1 and DA2 dopamine receptors in peripheral vascular beds.