The actions in vitro of SCH 23390, YM 09151-2 and both enantiomers of 3-PPP on D-1 and D-2 dopamine receptors were investigated in superfused rat neostriatal slices. For comparison the following neuroleptics of different chemical classes were incorporated in our investigations: (+)-bulbocapnine, clozapine, chlorpromazine, cis-flupenthixol, (-)-sulpiride and haloperidol. The increase in the efflux of cyclic AMP was used as a measure for D-1 receptor stimulation. The decrease in the K+-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine was used as measure of D-2 receptor stimulation. None of the drugs stimulated the D-1 receptor. Only (+)-3-PPP stimulated the D-2 receptor. All other drugs, including (-)-3-PPP, behaved as antagonists on the D-2 receptor, YM 09151-2 being the most potent. SCH 23390 was the most potent antagonist on the D-1 receptor. Haloperidol, cis-flupenthixol and (+)-bulbocapnine showed an appreciable D-1 receptor blocking potency in our model, whereas the other drugs were inactive. We found SCH 23390 to be the most D-1 selective antagonist although the drug still displayed considerable potency on the D-2 receptor. YM 09151-2 was the most D-2 selective antagonist.