Abstract
The dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was studied both in vivo and in vitro in the central nervous system of the bivalve mollusc Mytilus edulis. Dopamine, epinine, and apomorphine stimulated the enzyme system. Fluphenazine, haloperidol, chlorpromaxine, and to a lesser extent BOL inhibited the dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase. Etorphine, beta-endorphine, DALA, and methionine enkephalin depressed cyclic AMP levels. This phenomena was naloxone reversible. In addition, the opioids inhibited the stimulation of adenylate cyclase by dopamine. This phenomena was also naloxone reversible. The study demonstrates an interaction among dopamine, the opioids, and cyclic AMP.