SKF‑38393
Selective dopamine D1 receptor partial agonist, a classic preclinical research tool.
Pharmacology
Contents
WHAT IS SKF-38393?
Detailed overview
SKF-38393 is a 1-phenyl-benzazepine, a selective partial agonist of dopamine D1-like (D1/D5) receptors and one of the oldest and most widely used research tools in neuropharmacology for mapping the role of D1 receptors. Receptor activation stimulates adenylyl cyclase through the Gs protein, raising intracellular cAMP, and manifests behaviorally as effects on movement, arousal, sleep, and feeding via striatal and prefrontal circuits. In rodents it elicits characteristic self-grooming behavior, reduces REM sleep, and decreases food intake. Only the (R)-enantiomer is behaviorally active. It has no human clinical or therapeutic use: the compound is uncharacterized in humans and exists solely as an experimental research chemical.
Mechanism
D1/D5 partial agonist (raises cAMP)
Evidence
Preclinical only (no human data)
Legal status
Unapproved research chemical
Receptor profile
- Dopamine D1 receptorStrong
- Dopamine D5 receptorModerate
- Adenylyl cyclase / cAMP pathwayModerate
- Striatal motor circuitsModerate
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 6
- No human safety data: the compound is only a preclinical (rodent and cellular) pharmacological tool and has never been tested therapeutically in humans
- Increased self-grooming behavior in animals, a hallmark of D1 agonism
- Reduced REM sleep and altered sleep architecture in animal studies
- Reduced food intake (appetite-suppressing effect) in rodents
- Cardiovascular effects (changes in blood pressure and heart rate) in animal models
- Unknown long-term safety and a completely uncharacterized toxicity profile in humans
Contraindications · 4
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety not established, avoid
- Cardiovascular disease: the dopaminergic effect may theoretically alter blood pressure and heart rate
- Psychotic disorders: dopamine receptor stimulation may theoretically worsen symptoms
- Not an approved medicine; strictly a laboratory research chemical, not intended for human consumption
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
Absolute stereochemistry and dopaminergic activity of enantiomers of 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine
Kaiser C, Dandridge PA, Garvey E, Hahn RA, Sarau HM, Setler PE, Bass LS, Clardy J
Assessment of grooming and other behavioural responses to the D-1 dopamine receptor agonist SK & F 38393 and its R- and S-enantiomers in the intact adult rat
Molloy AG, Waddington JL
Behavioural responses to the selective D1-dopamine receptor agonist R-SK&F 38393 and the selective D2-agonist RU 24213 in young compared with aged rats
Molloy AG, O'Boyle KM, Pugh MT, Waddington JL
Sleep during acute dopamine D1 agonist SKF 38393 or D1 antagonist SCH 23390 administration in rats
Monti JM, Hawkins M, Jantos H, D'Angelo L, Fernandez M
Role of paraventricular hypothalamic dopaminergic D(1) receptors in food intake regulation of food-deprived rats
Mirmohammadsadeghi Z, Shareghi Brojeni M, Haghparast A, Eliassi A
FAQ
FAQ
Selective dopamine D1 receptor partial agonist, a classic preclinical research tool.
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Structure & chemistry
The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.