Two experiments were performed to investigate the actions of the selective D1 blocker SCH 23390 and the selective D2 blocker sulpiride, on oral movements in rats; these were quantified by a human observer scoring vacuous chewing movements (VCMs), jaw tremor and head movements, as well as a computer analysis system which measured the amplitude and slope of each movement. In the first experiment it was found that both SCH 23390 and sulpiride decreased VCMs and head movements in a dose-dependent manner, with SCH 23390 more effectively decreasing head movements and sulpiride more effectively decreasing VCMs. In a second experiment, the effectiveness of these two drugs in blocking the actions of selective D1 (SKF 38393) and D2 (LY 171555) agonists was studied. The SKF 38393-induced increase in computer-scored movement was attenuated by both sulpiride and SCH 23390, whereas the LY 171555-induced decrease in VCMs was attenuated by sulpiride, while SCH 23390 exacerbated it. These findings, together with our earlier results, suggest a simple relationship of D1 receptors to oral movement, with increased activation resulting in increased oral movement and decreased activation resulting in decreased oral movement. The relationship of D2 receptors to oral movement shows a more complex pattern, with both stimulation and blockade decreasing oral movement. One possibility may be the existence of more than one subpopulation of D2 receptors mediating these effects.