The activity of 2-bromo-alpha-ergokryptine (bromocriptine) (5 mg kg-1, i.p.) on adenylate cyclase and on phosphodiesterase (PDE-PDE II) of rat striatum, has been examined both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro and in vivo bromocriptine stimulated adenylate cyclase activity, but reduced the stimulating effect of dopamine on adenylate cyclase activity. Bromocriptine showed a dose-dependent biphasic action on phosphodiesterases in vitro while in vivo it stimulated them. The results obtained proved bromocriptine to have an agonist-antagonist action at striatal dopamine receptor level, with a relevant effect on the cAMP system.