7-Hydroxy-DPAT·HBr is a selective D3DR (dopamine receptor) agonist that is primarily found in neurons of the brain. Upon activation by 7-Hydroxy-DPAT·HBr, D3DR's exhibit a decrease in the release of dopamine from neurons and activate phospholipase D via formation of a complex with RhoA. In addition, studies suggest that 7-Hydroxy-DPAT·HBr induces the suppression of cAMP in hamster ovary cells. Since the D3DR is part of the D2DR subfamily, which includes the D2DR, D3DR, and D4DR receptors, ligands such as 7-Hydroxy-DPAT·HBr can also bind to D2DR at a higher concentration.
7-Hydroxy-DPAT·HBr is an activator of D2DR.