SKF83959 is a benzodiazepine derivative which acts as an agonist of D1 receptor. Activation of D1 receptors by SKF83959 fails to stimulate adenylyl cyclase and inhibits the stimulation of adenylyl cyclase induced by dopamine but stimulates phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate hydrolysis in membranes of frontal cortex. SKF83959 was identified as a specific agonist for the heteromer D1/D2 complex. SKF83959 elicit anti-parkinsonism effects in monkeys and rodents. In lower concentrations, SKF83959 inhibits serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine transporters and is an allosteric regulator of sigma 1 receptor. The compound has demonstrated activity in a preclinical model of depression.