Abstract: Objective To study the role of dopamine receptors in the regulation of the activity of transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) after cocaine treatment. Methods By using dopamine receptor antagonists SCH23390 and nafadotride, the activation of CREB by D1 and D3 dopamine receptors after cocaine treatment and role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in cocaine-induced CREB activation were examined by Western blotting, which was also employed for determination of the effect of SCH23390 and nafadotride on CREB activation. Results D1 receptor antagonist could inhibit cocaine-induced CREB activation, while D3 receptor antagonist enhanced cocaine-induced CREB activation. Dopamine receptor antagonists SCH23390 and nafadotride did not induce CREB activation. SL327, a MEK inhibitor, inhibited cocaine-induced CREB activation. Conclusion D1 and D3 dopamine receptors can oppositely regulate CREB activation after cocaine treatment and this regulation depends on ERK signaling pathway.