Expression of a DI dopamine receptor was examined in the rat brain by using a combination of in situ hybridization and in vitro receptor autoradiography. Cells expressing DI receptor mRNA were localized to many, but not all, brain regions receiving dopaminergic innervation. The highest levels of hybridization were detected in the caudateputamen, nucleus accumbens, and olfactory tuberde. Cells expressing DI receptor mRNA were also detected throughout the cerebral cortex, limbic system, hypothalamus, and thala- The diverse physiological effects of dopamine in the mammalian brain are mediated by receptors, which have been classically subdivided on the basis of pharmacological, biochemical, and functional differences into two subtypes referred to as D1 and D2 (1). Activation of D1 receptors, which are the most abundant dopamine receptor subtype in brain, stimulates adenylyl cyclase activity (1). Activation of D2 receptors inhibits adenylyl cyclase activity and increases K+ channel conductance (2).Traditionally, the behavioral actions of dopaminergic agents have been attributed to interaction with D2 receptors, whereas the role of D1 receptors in the central nervous system has been less clear. Thus, the therapeutic efficacy of an antipsychotic drug correlates with its antagonist affinity for the D2 receptor (3). Similarly, the motor, endocrine, and antiparkinsonian effects of ergot derivatives, such as bromocryptine, are believed to result from stimulation of D2 receptors (4). Recent studies, however, suggest that D1 receptors in the brain may have important functions. D1 receptor activation has been reported to inhibit neurite outgrowth and neuronal growth cone motility (5), regulate cerebral glucose utilization (6), inhibit serotonin release in the substantia nigra (7), stimulate 'y-aminobutyric acid release in the substantia nigra (8) and striatum (9)