The Sound of Evolution
Bromocriptine
Mechanism of action:
Bromocriptine is a dopamine receptor agonist and an ergot derivative. Bromocriptine directly stimulates D₂ receptors on prolactin cells in the pituitary gland, inhibiting adenylate cyclase, lowering cAMP levels, and thereby reducing prolactin synthesis and release. Bromocriptine also stimulates D₂ receptors in the corpus striatum, likewise inhibiting adenylate cyclase and modulating dopamine signaling in the nigrostriatal pathway.
Reference(s):
1. Banihashemi B et al. (2002). Dopamine-D2S receptor inhibition of calcium influx, adenylyl cyclase, and mitogen-activated protein kinase in pituitary cells: distinct Galpha and Gbetagamma requirements. Mol Endocrinol.
2. Kvernmo T et al. (2008). Receptor-binding and pharmacokinetic properties of dopaminergic agonists. Curr Top Med Chem.
3. Lam YW et al. (2000). Clinical pharmacology of dopamine agonists. Pharmacotherapy.