Inhibition of GSK3 attenuates dopamine D1 receptor agonist-induced hyperactivity in mice

Recent evidence suggests a critical role for the intracellular signaling protein glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) in hyperactivity associated with dopaminergic transmission. Here, we investigated whether activation of GSK3 is necessary for the expression of behaviors specifically produced by dopamine D1 receptor activation. To assess the role of GSK3 in dopamine D1 receptor-induced hyperactivity, mice were pretreated with the selective GSK3 inhibitor SB 216763 (0.25–7.5 mg/kg, i.p.) or its vehicle prior to administration of the dopamine D1 receptor full-agonist SKF-82958 (1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline control. Inhibition of GSK3 via SB 216763 dose-dependently reduced ambulatory and stereotypic activity produced by SKF-82958. These data implicate a role for GSK3 in the behavioral manifestations associated with dopamine D1 receptor activation.