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Sharma A, Bazylianska V, Moszczynska A. Parkin-deficient rats are resistant to neurotoxicity of chronic high-dose methamphetamine. Exp Neurol 2021; 345:113811. [PMID: 34298012 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is a highly addictive and powerful central nervous system psychostimulant with no FDA-approved pharmacotherapy. Parkin is a neuroprotective protein and its loss of function contributes to Parkinson's disease. This study used 3-month-old homozygous parkin knockout (PKO) rats to determine whether loss of parkin protein potentiates neurotoxicity of chronic METH to the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway. PKO rats were chronically treated with 10 mg/kg METH for 10 consecutive days and assessed for neurotoxicity markers in the striatum on the 5th and 10th day of withdrawal from METH. The PKO rats showed higher METH-induced hyperthermia; however, they did not display augmented deficits in dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotoxicity markers, astrocyte activation or decreased mitochondrial enzyme levels as compared to wild-type (WT) rats. Interestingly, saline-treated PKO rats had lower levels of dopamine (DA) as well as mitochondrial complex I and II levels while having increased basal levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a marker of gliosis. These results indicate PKO display a certain resistance to METH neurotoxicity, possibly mediated by lowered DA levels and downregulated mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhil Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Viktoriia Bazylianska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Anna Moszczynska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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The effect of ascorbic acid pretreatment on amphetamine-induced dopamine depletion in male and female mice. Neuroreport 2020; 31:737-740. [PMID: 32459674 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The repeated administration of high doses of amphetamine has been shown to cause long-lasting depletions of striatal dopamine which, when substantial enough, have been shown to result in cognitive and motor impairment. These amphetamine-induced lesions are slightly larger in males than that in females and can be partially ameliorated by pretreatment with antioxidants. The objective of the present study was to replicate these two latter observations using an amphetamine dosing regimen that yields only minor depletions of dopamine. It was found that a low-dose treatment of amphetamine using only two subcutaneous injections caused a 57% depletion of striatal dopamine with males slightly more affected than females. Furthermore, pretreatment with ascorbic acid reduced the magnitude of this dopamine depletion with males exhibiting a slightly enhanced protection as compared to females. Compared to the traditionally used high-dose regimens, these effects were mild but in the same direction. The advantage of this regimen is that it better reflects amphetamine-induced depletions of dopamine in humans.
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TBHQ Attenuates Neurotoxicity Induced by Methamphetamine in the VTA through the Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathways. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:8787156. [PMID: 32351675 PMCID: PMC7174937 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8787156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) leads to nervous system toxicity. Long-term exposure to METH results in damage to dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and depression-like behavior is a clinical symptom of this toxicity. The current study was designed to investigate whether the antioxidant tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) can alleviate neurotoxicity through both antioxidative stress and antiapoptotic signaling pathways in the VTA. Rats were randomly divided into a control group, a METH-treated group (METH group), and a METH+TBHQ-treated group (METH+TBHQ group). Intraperitoneal injections of METH at a dose of 10 mg/kg were administered to the rats in the METH and METH+TBHQ groups for one week, and METH was then administered at a dose that increased by 1 mg/kg per week until the sixth week, when the daily dosage reached 15 mg/kg. The rats in the METH+TBHQ group received 12.5 mg/kg TBHQ intragastrically. Chronic exposure to METH resulted in increased immobility times in the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) and led to depression-like behavior. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis levels were increased in the VTA of animals in the METH-treated group. METH downregulated Nrf2, HO-1, PI3K, and AKT, key factors of oxidative stress, and the apoptosis signaling pathway. Moreover, METH increased the caspase-3 immunocontent. These changes were reversed by treatment with the antioxidant TBHQ. The results indicate that TBHQ can enhance Nrf2-induced antioxidative stress and PI3K-induced antiapoptotic effects, which can alleviate METH-induced ROS and apoptosis, and that the crosstalk between Nrf2 and PI3K/AKT is likely the key factor involved in the protective effect of TBHQ against METH-induced chronic nervous system toxicity.
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Abstract
Drug use among adolescents continues to be an area of concern because of the possibility of long-lasting physical and mental changes. The aim of this study was to determine whether methamphetamine exposure during adolescence results in long-lasting neurobehavioral alterations in adulthood. Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with methamphetamine (4 mg/kg/day) during postnatal days 28-37. Once rats reached postnatal days 150, they were placed in standard operant chambers, where they were trained to respond to a lever for sucrose pellets, the experimental reinforcement. Methamphetamine exposure during adolescence did not result in a noteworthy impairment in the development of the correct lever touch response in the autoshaped learning test with 4 seconds delayed reinforcement. These rats were also tested for the motivation to obtain sucrose pellets under a progressive ratio schedule of the reinforcement on postnatal days 170. Decreased lever-pressing response was noted in male rats exposed to methamphetamine during adolescence, but not in female rats. These results indicate that methamphetamine exposure during adolescence results in a decrease in the motivation for a natural reinforcer later in adulthood, particularly in male rats. From our data, we suggest that male brains are less capable of facilitating recovery than female brains after methamphetamine-induced perturbation of brain function during the adolescent period.
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Biagioni F, Ferese R, Limanaqi F, Madonna M, Lenzi P, Gambardella S, Fornai F. Methamphetamine persistently increases alpha-synuclein and suppresses gene promoter methylation within striatal neurons. Brain Res 2019; 1719:157-175. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Moszczynska A, Callan SP. Molecular, Behavioral, and Physiological Consequences of Methamphetamine Neurotoxicity: Implications for Treatment. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2017; 362:474-488. [PMID: 28630283 PMCID: PMC11047030 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.116.238501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the relationship between the molecular mechanisms underlying neurotoxicity of high-dose methamphetamine (METH) and related clinical manifestations is imperative for providing more effective treatments for human METH users. This article provides an overview of clinical manifestations of METH neurotoxicity to the central nervous system and neurobiology underlying the consequences of administration of neurotoxic METH doses, and discusses implications of METH neurotoxicity for treatment of human abusers of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Moszczynska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Sean Patrick Callan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
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McFadden LM, Vieira-Brock PL. The Persistent Neurotoxic Effects of Methamphetamine on Dopaminergic and Serotonergic Markers in Male and Female Rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 2. [PMID: 30957071 DOI: 10.4172/2476-2067.1000116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Objective Methamphetamine (METH) is a highly addictive substance abused world-wide in both males and females. Preclinical studies in male rodents suggest that large-dose exposure to METH can lead to persistent neurotoxic consequences to various brain regions. However, little research has focused on the potential role of sex in the neurotoxic consequences of METH exposure. Methods The current study exposed male and female rats to large-doses of METH (4 injections of 7.5 mg/kg) or saline. Hyperthermia was promoted in the females exposed to METH such that similar hyperthermia occurred in males and females. Rats were sacrificed 8 d later and neurochemical changes were assessed in the striatum, hippocampus, frontal cortex and olfactory bulbs. Results Results revealed that male and female rats exposed to METH had similar decreases in dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) immunoreactivity in the striatum, serotonin (5-HT) content and 5-HT transporter (SERT) function in the hippocampus, and 5-HT content in the frontal cortex. However, female rats exposed to METH had greater decreases in 5-HT content in the olfactory bulbs compared to sex-matched controls while male rats exposed to METH did not significantly differ from sex-matched controls. Conclusions These findings suggest that when similar hyperthermia is maintained between male and female rats exposed to METH, the neurotoxic effects of METH were similar in some, but not all brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M McFadden
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.,Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
| | - Paula L Vieira-Brock
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Killinger BA, Moszczynska A. Epothilone D prevents binge methamphetamine-mediated loss of striatal dopaminergic markers. J Neurochem 2015; 136:510-25. [PMID: 26465779 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 09/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to binge methamphetamine (METH) can result in a permanent or transient loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) markers such as dopamine (DA), dopamine transporter, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the striatum. We hypothesized that the METH-induced loss of striatal DAergic markers was, in part, due to a destabilization of microtubules (MTs) in the nigrostriatal DA pathway that ultimately impedes anterograde axonal transport of these markers. To test this hypothesis, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with binge METH or saline in the presence or absence of epothilone D (EpoD), a MT-stabilizing compound, and assessed 3 days after the treatments for the levels of several DAergic markers as well as for the levels of tubulins and their post-translational modifications (PMTs). Binge METH induced a loss of stable long-lived MTs within the striatum but not within the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Treatment with a low dose of EpoD increased the levels of markers of stable MTs and prevented METH-mediated deficits in several DAergic markers in the striatum. In contrast, administration of a high dose of EpoD appeared to destabilize MTs and potentiated the METH-induced deficits in several DAergic markers. The low-dose EpoD also prevented the METH-induced increase in striatal DA turnover and increased behavioral stereotypy during METH treatment. Together, these results demonstrate that MT dynamics plays a role in the development of METH-induced losses of several DAergic markers in the striatum and may mediate METH-induced degeneration of terminals in the nigrostriatal DA pathway. Our study also demonstrates that MT-stabilizing drugs such as EpoD have a potential to serve as useful therapeutic agents to restore function of DAergic nerve terminals following METH exposure when administered at low doses. Administration of binge methamphetamine (METH) negatively impacts neurotransmission in the nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) system. The effects of METH include decreasing the levels of DAergic markers in the striatum. We have determined that high-dose METH destabilizes microtubules in this pathway, which is manifested by decreased levels of acetylated (Acetyl) and detyrosinated (Detyr) α-tubulin (I). A microtubule stabilizing agent epothilone D protects striatal microtubules form the METH-induced loss of DAergic markers (II). These findings provide a new strategy for protection form METH - restoration of proper axonal transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Killinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Anna Moszczynska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Huot P, Fox SH, Brotchie JM. Monoamine reuptake inhibitors in Parkinson's disease. PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2015; 2015:609428. [PMID: 25810948 PMCID: PMC4355567 DOI: 10.1155/2015/609428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The motor manifestations of Parkinson's disease (PD) are secondary to a dopamine deficiency in the striatum. However, the degenerative process in PD is not limited to the dopaminergic system and also affects serotonergic and noradrenergic neurons. Because they can increase monoamine levels throughout the brain, monoamine reuptake inhibitors (MAUIs) represent potential therapeutic agents in PD. However, they are seldom used in clinical practice other than as antidepressants and wake-promoting agents. This review article summarises all of the available literature on use of 50 MAUIs in PD. The compounds are divided according to their relative potency for each of the monoamine transporters. Despite wide discrepancy in the methodology of the studies reviewed, the following conclusions can be drawn: (1) selective serotonin transporter (SERT), selective noradrenaline transporter (NET), and dual SERT/NET inhibitors are effective against PD depression; (2) selective dopamine transporter (DAT) and dual DAT/NET inhibitors exert an anti-Parkinsonian effect when administered as monotherapy but do not enhance the anti-Parkinsonian actions of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA); (3) dual DAT/SERT inhibitors might enhance the anti-Parkinsonian actions of L-DOPA without worsening dyskinesia; (4) triple DAT/NET/SERT inhibitors might exert an anti-Parkinsonian action as monotherapy and might enhance the anti-Parkinsonian effects of L-DOPA, though at the expense of worsening dyskinesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Huot
- Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8
- Division of Neurology, Movement Disorder Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8
- Department of Pharmacology and Division of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal and Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Susan H. Fox
- Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8
- Division of Neurology, Movement Disorder Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8
| | - Jonathan M. Brotchie
- Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8
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Salo R, Fassbender C. Structural, functional and spectroscopic MRI studies of methamphetamine addiction. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2015; 11:321-64. [PMID: 22094881 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2011_172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
This chapter reviews selected neuroimaging findings related to long-term amphetamine and methamphetamine (MA) use. An overview of structural and functional (fMRI) MR studies, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) studies conducted in long-term MA abusers is presented. The focus of this chapter is to present the relevant studies as tools to understand brain changes following drug abstinence and recovery from addiction. The behavioral relevance of these neuroimaging studies is discussed as they relate to clinical symptoms and treatment. Within each imaging section this chapter includes a discussion of the relevant imaging studies as they relate to patterns of drug use (i.e., duration of MA use, cumulative lifetime dose and time MA abstinent) as well as an overview of studies that link the imaging findings to cognitive measures. In our conclusion we discuss some of the future directions of neuroimaging as it relates to the pathophysiology of addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Salo
- UC Davis Imaging Research Center, 4701 X Street, Sacramento, CA, USA,
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Yang S, Belcher AM, Chefer S, Vaupel DB, Schindler CW, Stein EA, Yang Y. Withdrawal from long-term methamphetamine self-administration 'normalizes' neurometabolites in rhesus monkeys: a (1) H MR spectroscopy study. Addict Biol 2015; 20:69-79. [PMID: 23910722 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
(1) H magnetic resonance spectroscopy has demonstrated alterations in several neurometabolites in methamphetamine (METH)-dependent individuals in brain regions implicated in addiction. Yet, it is unclear whether these neurochemicals return to homeostatic levels after an individual abstains from drug use, a difficult question to address due to high recidivism and poor study retention in human subjects. We thus utilized a non-human primate model of addiction to explore the effects of long-term drug exposure and withdrawal on brain neurochemistry. Ten rhesus macaque monkeys on an active METH self-administration protocol (average use 4.6 ± 0.8 years, average daily intake between 0.4 and 1.2 mg/kg) and 10 age- and sex-matched drug-naive controls (CONT) served as subjects. Concentrations of several neurochemicals were evaluated at several timepoints following withdrawal from drug availability (10 monkeys at 1 week and 1 and 3 months, and 6 monkeys at 6 and 12 months; CONT examined at one timepoint). At 1 week following METH withdrawal, we found increases in myo-inositol in anterior cingulate cortex in the METH group relative to CONT. These alterations showed a linear pattern of decreased levels ('normalization') by 1 year of abstinence. We also found decreases in glutamine and Glx (composed mainly of glutamate and glutamine) in the caudate-putamen of the same animals at early withdrawal that showed a similar linear pattern of increasing concentration by 1 year. These results demonstrate that despite protracted, long-term use, neurochemical changes seen following long-term drug administration do not persist following prolonged abstinence, suggesting therapeutic effects of long-term withdrawal from drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaolin Yang
- Neuroimaging Research Branch; National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; Baltimore MD USA
- Departments of Psychiatry, Radiology, and Bioengineering; University of Illinois at Chicago; Chicago IL USA
| | - Annabelle M. Belcher
- Neuroimaging Research Branch; National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; Baltimore MD USA
| | - Svetlana Chefer
- Neuroimaging Research Branch; National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; Baltimore MD USA
- Division of Clinical Research; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; National Institutes of Health; Frederick MD USA
| | - D. Bruce Vaupel
- Neuroimaging Research Branch; National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; Baltimore MD USA
| | - Charles W. Schindler
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section; National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; Baltimore MD USA
| | - Elliot A. Stein
- Neuroimaging Research Branch; National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; Baltimore MD USA
| | - Yihong Yang
- Neuroimaging Research Branch; National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; Baltimore MD USA
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Cyclooxygenase activity contributes to the monoaminergic damage caused by serial exposure to stress and methamphetamine. Neuropharmacology 2013; 72:96-105. [PMID: 23643743 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Revised: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (Meth) is a widely abused psychostimulant that causes long-term dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) depletions. Stress and Meth abuse are comorbid events in society and stress exacerbates Meth-induced monoaminergic terminal damage. Stress is also known to produce neuroinflammation. This study examined the role of the neuroinflammatory mediator, cyclooxygenase (COX), in the depletions of monoamines caused by serial exposure to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) and Meth. CUS produced an increase in COX-2 protein expression and enhanced Meth-induced monoaminergic depletions in the striatum and hippocampus. The enhanced DA and 5-HT depletions in the striatum, but not the hippocampus, were prevented by pretreatment with COX inhibitor, ketoprofen, during stress or during Meth; however, ketoprofen did not attenuate the monoaminergic damage caused by Meth alone. The COX-dependent enhancement by stress of Meth-induced monoaminergic depletions was independent of hyperthermia, as ketoprofen did not attenuate Meth-induced hyperthermia. In addition, the EP1 receptor antagonist, SC-51089, did not attenuate DA or 5-HT depletions caused by stress and Meth. These findings illustrate that COX activity, but not activation of the EP1 receptor, is responsible for the potentiation of Meth-induced damage to striatal monoamine terminals by stress and suggests the use of anti-inflammatory drugs for mitigating the neurotoxic effects associated with the combination of stress and Meth.
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Jan RK, Kydd RR, Russell BR. Functional and structural brain changes associated with methamphetamine abuse. Brain Sci 2012; 2:434-82. [PMID: 24961256 PMCID: PMC4061807 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci2040434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 09/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine (MA) is a potent psychostimulant drug whose abuse has become a global epidemic in recent years. Firstly, this review article briefly discusses the epidemiology and clinical pharmacology of methamphetamine dependence. Secondly, the article reviews relevant animal literature modeling methamphetamine dependence and discusses possible mechanisms of methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity. Thirdly, it provides a critical review of functional and structural neuroimaging studies in human MA abusers; including positron emission tomography (PET) and functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The effect of abstinence from methamphetamine, both short- and long-term within the context of these studies is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem K Jan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Rob R Kydd
- Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Bruce R Russell
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
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14
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Yin JJ, Ma SH, Xu K, Wang ZX, Le HB, Huang JZ, Fang KM, Liao LM, Cai ZL. Functional magnetic resonance imaging of methamphetamine craving. Clin Imaging 2012; 36:695-701. [PMID: 23153997 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2012.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2011] [Revised: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to explore the abnormal activation of special brain areas associated with methamphetamine craving using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and to reveal the neurobiological basis of addiction. Twenty-six methamphetamine addicts and 26 healthy subjects were scanned by brain fMRI while watching pictures of happy, sad, or methamphetamine to acquire resource data. SPM5 was used to analyze fMRI data to get related brain activation map, and it was found that methamphetamine addicts had high brain activation in cingulate and low activation in frontal lobe when watching methamphetamine-cue pictures. This study demonstrated that methamphetamine addicts had emotion-related brain activation abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jing Yin
- First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Shantou University, Shantou 515041, China
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Carvalho M, Carmo H, Costa VM, Capela JP, Pontes H, Remião F, Carvalho F, Bastos MDL. Toxicity of amphetamines: an update. Arch Toxicol 2012; 86:1167-231. [PMID: 22392347 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-012-0815-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Amphetamines represent a class of psychotropic compounds, widely abused for their stimulant, euphoric, anorectic, and, in some cases, emphathogenic, entactogenic, and hallucinogenic properties. These compounds derive from the β-phenylethylamine core structure and are kinetically and dynamically characterized by easily crossing the blood-brain barrier, to resist brain biotransformation and to release monoamine neurotransmitters from nerve endings. Although amphetamines are widely acknowledged as synthetic drugs, of which amphetamine, methamphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) are well-known examples, humans have used natural amphetamines for several millenniums, through the consumption of amphetamines produced in plants, namely cathinone (khat), obtained from the plant Catha edulis and ephedrine, obtained from various plants in the genus Ephedra. More recently, a wave of new amphetamines has emerged in the market, mainly constituted of cathinone derivatives, including mephedrone, methylone, methedrone, and buthylone, among others. Although intoxications by amphetamines continue to be common causes of emergency department and hospital admissions, it is frequent to find the sophism that amphetamine derivatives, namely those appearing more recently, are relatively safe. However, human intoxications by these drugs are increasingly being reported, with similar patterns compared to those previously seen with classical amphetamines. That is not surprising, considering the similar structures and mechanisms of action among the different amphetamines, conferring similar toxicokinetic and toxicological profiles to these compounds. The aim of the present review is to give an insight into the pharmacokinetics, general mechanisms of biological and toxicological actions, and the main target organs for the toxicity of amphetamines. Although there is still scarce knowledge from novel amphetamines to draw mechanistic insights, the long-studied classical amphetamines-amphetamine itself, as well as methamphetamine and MDMA, provide plenty of data that may be useful to predict toxicological outcome to improvident abusers and are for that reason the main focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia Carvalho
- REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal
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Luo Y, Wang Y, Kuang SY, Chiang YH, Hoffer B. Decreased level of Nurr1 in heterozygous young adult mice leads to exacerbated acute and long-term toxicity after repeated methamphetamine exposure. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15193. [PMID: 21151937 PMCID: PMC2997078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2010] [Accepted: 10/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The abuse of psychostimulants, such as methamphetamine (METH), is prevalent in young adults and could lead to long-term adaptations in the midbrain dopamine system in abstinent human METH abusers. Nurr1 is a gene that is critical for the survival and maintenance of dopaminergic neurons and has been implicated in dopaminergic neuron related disorders. In this study, we examined the synergistic effects of repeated early exposure to methamphetamine in adolescence and reduction in Nurr1 gene levels. METH binge exposure in adolescence led to greater damage in the nigrostrial dopaminergic system when mice were exposed to METH binge later in life, suggesting a long-term adverse effect on the dopaminergic system. Compared to naïve mice that received METH binge treatment for the first time, mice pretreated with METH in adolescence showed a greater loss of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in striatum, loss of THir fibers in the substantia nigra reticulata (SNr) as well as decreased dopamine transporter (DAT) level and compromised DA clearance in striatum. These effects were further exacerbated in Nurr1 heterozygous mice. Our data suggest that a prolonged adverse effect exists following adolescent METH binge exposure which may lead to greater damage to the dopaminergic system when exposed to repeated METH later in life. Furthermore, our data support that Nurr1 mutations or deficiency could be a potential genetic predisposition which may lead to higher vulnerability in some individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Luo
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America.
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Yamamoto BK, Moszczynska A, Gudelsky GA. Amphetamine toxicities: classical and emerging mechanisms. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1187:101-21. [PMID: 20201848 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.05141.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The drugs of abuse, methamphetamine and MDMA, produce long-term decreases in markers of biogenic amine neurotransmission. These decreases have been traditionally linked to nerve terminals and are evident in a variety of species, including rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans. Recent studies indicate that the damage produced by these drugs may be more widespread than originally believed. Changes indicative of damage to cell bodies of biogenic and nonbiogenic amine-containing neurons in several brain areas and endothelial cells that make up the blood-brain barrier have been reported. The processes that mediate this damage involve not only oxidative stress but also include excitotoxic mechanisms, neuroinflammation, the ubiquitin proteasome system, as well as mitochondrial and neurotrophic factor dysfunction. These mechanisms also underlie the toxicity associated with chronic stress and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, both of which have been shown to augment the toxicity to methamphetamine. Overall, multiple mechanisms are involved and interact to promote neurotoxicity to methamphetamine and MDMA. Moreover, the high coincidence of substituted amphetamine abuse by humans with HIV and/or chronic stress exposure suggests a potential enhanced vulnerability of these individuals to the neurotoxic actions of the amphetamines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan K Yamamoto
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio 43614, USA.
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18
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Krasnova IN, Cadet JL. Methamphetamine toxicity and messengers of death. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 60:379-407. [PMID: 19328213 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2009.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 420] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2009] [Accepted: 03/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is an illicit psychostimulant that is widely abused in the world. Several lines of evidence suggest that chronic METH abuse leads to neurodegenerative changes in the human brain. These include damage to dopamine and serotonin axons, loss of gray matter accompanied by hypertrophy of the white matter and microgliosis in different brain areas. In the present review, we summarize data on the animal models of METH neurotoxicity which include degeneration of monoaminergic terminals and neuronal apoptosis. In addition, we discuss molecular and cellular bases of METH-induced neuropathologies. The accumulated evidence indicates that multiple events, including oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, hyperthermia, neuroinflammatory responses, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum stress converge to mediate METH-induced terminal degeneration and neuronal apoptosis. When taken together, these findings suggest that pharmacological strategies geared towards the prevention and treatment of the deleterious effects of this drug will need to attack the various pathways that form the substrates of METH toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina N Krasnova
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, NIDA/NIH/DHHS, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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19
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Brain serotonin transporter in human methamphetamine users. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2009; 202:649-61. [PMID: 18841348 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1346-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2008] [Accepted: 09/16/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Research on methamphetamine (MA) toxicity primarily focuses on the possibility that some of the behavioural problems in human MA users might be caused by damage to brain dopamine neurones. However, animal data also indicate that MA can damage brain serotonin neurones, and it has been suggested that cognitive problems and aggression in MA users might be explained by serotonergic damage. As information on the brain serotonin system in human MA users is fragmentary, our objective was to determine whether protein levels of serotonin transporter (SERT), a key marker of serotonin neurones, are decreased in brain of chronic MA users. METHODS SERT immunoreactivity was measured using an immunoblotting procedure in autopsied brain of 16 chronic MA users testing positive for the drug in blood and brain and matched controls. RESULTS SERT levels were non-significantly decreased (-14% to -33%) in caudate, putamen and thalamus (normal in hippocampus), and, unlike the robust striatal dopamine reduction, there was marked overlap between control and MA user ranges. Concentrations of SERT were significantly decreased (-23% to -39%) in orbitofrontal and occipital cortices (normal in frontopolar and temporal cortices). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that MA might modestly damage brain serotonin neurones and/or inhibit SERT protein expression, with cerebral cortex being more affected than sub-cortical regions. The SERT reduction in orbitofrontal cortex complements other data suggesting involvement of this area in MA-related behaviour. Decreased brain SERT could also be related to the clinical finding that treatment with a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor might increase relapse to MA.
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20
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Wells SM, Buford MC, Braseth SN, Hutchison JD, Holian A. Acute inhalation exposure to vaporized methamphetamine causes lung injury in mice. Inhal Toxicol 2008; 20:829-38. [PMID: 18645723 DOI: 10.1080/08958370801895121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (MA) is currently the most widespread illegally used stimulant in the United States. Use of MA by smoking is the fastest growing mode of administration, which increases concerns about potential pulmonary and other medical complications. A murine exposure system was developed to study the pulmonary affects of inhaled MA. Mice were exposed to 25-100 mg vaporized MA and assessments were made 3 h following initiation of exposure to model acute lung injury. Inhalation of MA vapor resulted in dose-dependent increases in MA plasma levels that were in the range of those experienced by MA users. At the highest MA dose, histological changes were observed in the lung and small but significant increases in lung wet weight to body weight ratios (5.656 +/- 0.176 mg/g for the controls vs. 6.706+/- 0.135 mg/g for the 100 mg MA-exposed mice) were found. In addition, there was 53% increase in total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, greater than 20% increase in albumin levels in the BAL fluid, greater than 2.5-fold increase in lactate dehydrogenase levels in the BAL fluid, and reduced total BAL cell numbers (approximately 77% of controls). Levels of the early response cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 were dose-dependently increased in BAL fluid of MA-exposed mice. Exposure to 100 mg MA significantly increased free radical generation in the BAL cells to 107-146% of controls and to approximately 135% of the controls in lung tissue in situ. Together, these data show that acute inhalation exposure to relevant doses of volatilized MA is associated with elevated free radical formation and significant lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Wells
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, USA.
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Wu CW, Ping YH, Yen JC, Chang CY, Wang SF, Yeh CL, Chi CW, Lee HC. Enhanced oxidative stress and aberrant mitochondrial biogenesis in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells during methamphetamine induced apoptosis. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2007; 220:243-51. [PMID: 17350664 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2007.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2006] [Revised: 01/23/2007] [Accepted: 01/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is an abused drug that may cause psychiatric and neurotoxic damage, including degeneration of monoaminergic terminals and apoptosis of non-monoaminergic cells in the brain. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these METH-induced neurotoxic effects remain to be clarified. In this study, we performed a time course assessment to investigate the effects of METH on intracellular oxidative stress and mitochondrial alterations in a human dopaminergic neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. We characterized that METH induces a temporal sequence of several cellular events including, firstly, a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential within 1 h of the METH treatment, secondly, an extensive decline in mitochondrial membrane potential and increase in the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) after 8 h of the treatment, thirdly, an increase in mitochondrial mass after the drug treatment for 24 h, and finally, a decrease in mtDNA copy number and mitochondrial proteins per mitochondrion as well as the occurrence of apoptosis after 48 h of the treatment. Importantly, vitamin E attenuated the METH-induced increases in intracellular ROS level and mitochondrial mass, and prevented METH-induced cell death. Our observations suggest that enhanced oxidative stress and aberrant mitochondrial biogenesis may play critical roles in METH-induced neurotoxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Wei Wu
- Department and Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan 112, ROC
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22
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Rau KS, Birdsall E, Volz TJ, Riordan JA, Baucum AJ, Adair BP, Bitter R, Gibb JW, Hanson GR, Fleckenstein AE. Methamphetamine administration reduces hippocampal vesicular monoamine transporter-2 uptake. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2006; 318:676-82. [PMID: 16687477 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.105.099200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeated high-dose injections of methamphetamine (METH) rapidly decrease dopamine uptake by the vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT-2) associated with dopaminergic nerve terminals, as assessed in nonmembrane-associated vesicles purified from striata of treated rats. The purpose of this study was to determine whether METH similarly affects vesicular uptake in the hippocampus; a region innervated by both serotonergic and noradrenergic neurons and profoundly affected by METH treatment. Results revealed that repeated high-dose METH administrations rapidly (within 1 h) reduced hippocampal vesicular dopamine uptake, as assessed in vesicles purified from treated rats. This reduction was likely associated with serotonergic nerve terminals because METH did not further reduce vesicular monoamine uptake in para-chloroamphetamine-lesioned animals. Pretreatment with the serotonin transporter inhibitor fluoxetine blocked both this acute effect on VMAT-2 and the decrease in serotonin content observed 7 days after METH treatment. In contrast, there was no conclusive evidence that METH affected vesicular dopamine uptake in noradrenergic neurons or caused persistent noradrenergic deficits. These findings suggest a link between METH-induced alterations in serotonergic hippocampal vesicular uptake and the persistent hippocampal serotonergic deficits induced by the stimulant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi S Rau
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, 30 South 2000 East, Skaggs Hall, Rm. 201, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Shepard JD, Chuang DT, Shaham Y, Morales M. Effect of methamphetamine self-administration on tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter levels in mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopamine pathways of the rat. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2006; 185:505-13. [PMID: 16555063 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-006-0316-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2005] [Accepted: 01/05/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Many studies have examined the effect of experimenter-delivered methamphetamine on the mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopamine pathways. In contrast, little is known about the effect of methamphetamine self-administration on these neuronal pathways. We studied the effect of methamphetamine self-administration on two key regulators of dopamine transmission, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and dopamine transporter (DAT), in components of the mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopamine pathways. METHODS Rats self-administered methamphetamine (0.1 mg/kg per infusion, fixed-ratio-1 reinforcement schedule) or saline (control condition) for 9 h/day over 10 days. The brains of these rats were collected after 1 or 30 days of forced abstinence and the expression levels of TH and DAT were assayed by in situ, hybridization and western blot. RESULTS TH mRNA and protein levels were increased in the ventral tegmental area (VTA, the cell body region of the mesolimbic dopamine system) and the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNC, the cell body region of the nigrostriatal dopamine system) after 1 day, but not 30 days, of forced abstinence from methamphetamine. In contrast, methamphetamine self-administration had no effect on TH protein levels in dopaminergic terminals located in the nucleus accumbens and caudate-putamen. In addition, methamphetamine self-administration had no effect on DAT mRNA levels in the VTA. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that extended daily access to self-administered methamphetamine results in a transient, short-lasting effect on mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopamine neurons of the rat brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack D Shepard
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Branch, IRP/NIDA/NIH, 5500 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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24
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JAYANTHI SUBRAMANIAM, LADENHEIM BRUCE, CADET JEANLUD. Methamphetamine-Induced Changes in Antioxidant Enzymes and Lipid Peroxidation in Copper/Zinc-Superoxide Dismutase Transgenic Mice. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2006; 844:92-102. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1998.tb08224.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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STADLIN ALFREDA, LAU JOSEPHINEW, SZETO YK. A Selective Regional Response of Cultured Astrocytes to Methamphetaminea. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2006; 844:108-121. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1998.tb08226.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Kim SJ, Lyoo IK, Hwang J, Sung YH, Lee HY, Lee DS, Jeong DU, Renshaw PF. Frontal glucose hypometabolism in abstinent methamphetamine users. Neuropsychopharmacology 2005; 30:1383-91. [PMID: 15726115 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Changes in relative regional cerebral glucose metabolism (rCMRglc) and their potential gender differences in abstinent methamphetamine (MA) users were explored. Relative rCMRglc, as measured by (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, and frontal executive functions, as assessed by Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST), were compared between 35 abstinent MA users and 21 healthy comparison subjects. In addition, male and female MA users and their gender-matched comparison subjects were compared to investigate potential gender differences. MA users had lower rCMRglc levels in the right superior frontal white matter and more perseveration and nonperseveration errors in the WCST, relative to healthy comparison subjects. Relative rCMRglc in the frontal white matter correlated with number of errors in the WCST in MA users. In the subanalysis for gender differences, lower rCMRglc in the frontal white matter and more errors in the WCST were found only in male MA users, not in female MA users, relative to their gender-matched comparison subjects. The current findings suggest that MA use causes persistent hypometabolism in the frontal white matter and impairment in frontal executive function. Our findings also suggest that the neurotoxic effect of MA on frontal lobes of the brain might be more prominent in men than in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seog Ju Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Dietrich JB, Mangeol A, Revel MO, Burgun C, Aunis D, Zwiller J. Acute or repeated cocaine administration generates reactive oxygen species and induces antioxidant enzyme activity in dopaminergic rat brain structures. Neuropharmacology 2005; 48:965-74. [PMID: 15857623 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2005.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2004] [Revised: 01/07/2005] [Accepted: 01/18/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Either a single (acute) or repeated daily (chronic) injections (1 injection/day) of 20 mg/kg cocaine for 10 days to rats was found to increase reactive oxygen species production in two dopaminergic brain structures, the frontal cortex and the striatum. We found that the mitochondrial genome was down-regulated after acute cocaine injection. Hydroperoxide and lipid peroxide generation was correlated with an increase in mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide generation and with a reduced functioning of mitochondrial complex I in response to cocaine. As judged from the measurement of caspase-3 activity and TUNEL labeling, neither acute nor chronic cocaine treatment has been found to induce apoptosis in any of the structures examined. This differs dramatically from what has been described for methamphetamine. Cocaine-induced radical formation was accompanied by the induction of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, after both acute and chronic cocaine treatment. In addition, proteasome chymotrypsin-like activity was enhanced following a single cocaine injection in both cortex and striatum. It is proposed that the compensatory mechanisms to oxidative stress occurring in response to cocaine were effective in scavenging reactive oxygen species and in preventing subsequent cellular damage, thus explaining why no significant cell death was found in these brain structures.
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28
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Dunnett SB. Chapter V Motor function(s) of the nigrostriatal dopamine system: Studies of lesions and behavior. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-8196(05)80009-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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Matsuzaki H, Namikawa K, Kiyama H, Mori N, Sato K. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor rescues neuronal death induced by methamphetamine. Biol Psychiatry 2004; 55:52-60. [PMID: 14706425 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3223(03)00785-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methamphetamine (MA) induces degeneration of various regions of the brain, resulting in neuropsychiatric damage. Although the underlying mechanisms of MA-induced neurotoxicity have been studied, there are few reports to date regarding the factor(s) that can effectively prevent MA-induced neurotoxicity. Because brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been known to prevent many kinds of neuronal cell death, we investigated whether BDNF inhibits MA-induced neuronal death. METHODS Using primary cortical neurons, we examined the effect of BDNF on MA-induced neuronal death. In addition, using pharmacologic and molecular biological tools, we elucidated which pathways are involved in this effect. RESULTS Brain-derived neurotrophic factor dose-dependently blocked MA-induced neuronal death, and this effect was inhibited by phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitors. In addition, overexpression of activated Akt protects neurons against MA. Furthermore, expression of kinase-defective Akt blocked the effect of BDNF on MA-induced neuronal death. CONCLUSIONS Brain-derived neurotrophic factor effectively blocks MA-induced neuronal death, and Akt activation is necessary and sufficient for this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Matsuzaki
- Department of Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
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Brown JM, Yamamoto BK. Effects of amphetamines on mitochondrial function: role of free radicals and oxidative stress. Pharmacol Ther 2003; 99:45-53. [PMID: 12804698 DOI: 10.1016/s0163-7258(03)00052-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Amphetamine-like psychostimulants are associated with long-term decreases in markers for monoaminergic neurons, suggesting neuronal loss and/or damage within the brain. This long-term "toxicity" results from formation of free radicals, particularly reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), although the mechanism(s) of ROS and RNS formation are unclear. Mitochondria are a major source of ROS and mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to some neurodegenerative disorders. Amphetamines also inhibit mitochondrial function, although the mechanism involved in the inhibition is uncertain. This review coordinates findings on the multiple pathways for ROS and RNS and describes a hypothesis involving mitochondrial inhibition in the initiation of amphetamine-induced cellular necrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Brown
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, L-613, School of Medicine, Boston University, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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Nordahl TE, Salo R, Possin K, Gibson DR, Flynn N, Leamon M, Galloway GP, Pfefferbaum A, Spielman DM, Adalsteinsson E, Sullivan EV. Low N-acetyl-aspartate and high choline in the anterior cingulum of recently abstinent methamphetamine-dependent subjects: a preliminary proton MRS study. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Psychiatry Res 2002; 116:43-52. [PMID: 12426033 DOI: 10.1016/s0925-4927(02)00088-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Studies based on animal models report that methamphetamine (MA) abuse diminishes dopamine (DA) and serotonin innervation in frontal brain regions. In this in vivo human study, we used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), which yields measures of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), a marker of living neurons, to examine frontal brain regions possibly affected by methamphetamine dependence (MD). We tested the hypothesis that MD subjects would exhibit abnormally low levels of NAA, referenced to creatine (Cr), in anterior cingulate gray matter. We further hypothesized that the primary visual cortex, which receives relatively less DA innervation than the frontal brain regions, would show normal NAA/Cr ratios in MD subjects. Subjects included nine MD men (mean+/-standard deviation (S.D.)=32.5+/-6.4 years) and nine age-matched control men (mean+/-S.D.=32.7+/-6.8 years). The MD subjects were MA-free for 4-13 weeks. Proton MRS metabolites were expressed as ratios of creatine; the absolute values of which did not distinguish controls and MD subjects. With regard to metabolite ratios, the MD men had significantly lower NAA/Cr in the cingulum (mean+/-standard error (S.E.): control=1.46+/-0.03; MD=1.30+/-0.03; Mann-Whitney P=0.01) but not in the visual cortex (mean+/-S.E.: control=1.64+/-0.06; MD=1.69+/-11; Mann-Whitney P=0.52) relative to controls. These results provide evidence for NAA/Cr deficit that is selective to the anterior cingulum, at least with respect to visual cortex, in MD subjects. The neuronal compromise that these changes reflect may contribute to the attentional deficits and dampened reward system in MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Nordahl
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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Davidson C, Gow AJ, Lee TH, Ellinwood EH. Methamphetamine neurotoxicity: necrotic and apoptotic mechanisms and relevance to human abuse and treatment. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 2001; 36:1-22. [PMID: 11516769 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0173(01)00054-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 403] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Research into methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity has experienced a resurgence in recent years. This is due to (1) greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying methamphetamine neurotoxicity, (2) its usefulness as a model for Parkinson's disease and (3) an increased abuse of the substance, especially in the American Mid-West and Japan. It is suggested that the commonly used experimental one-day methamphetamine dosing regimen better models the acute overdose pathologies seen in humans, whereas chronic models are needed to accurately model human long-term abuse. Further, we suggest that these two dosing regimens will result in quite different neurochemical, neuropathological and behavioral outcomes. The relative importance of the dopamine transporter and vesicular monoamine transporter knockout is discussed and insights into oxidative mechanisms are described from observations of nNOS knockout and SOD overexpression. This review not only describes the neuropathologies associated with methamphetamine in rodents, non-human primates and human abusers, but also focuses on the more recent literature associated with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and their contribution to neuronal death via necrosis and/or apoptosis. The effect of methamphetamine on the mitochondrial membrane potential and electron transport chain and subsequent apoptotic cascades are also emphasized. Finally, we describe potential treatments for methamphetamine abusers with reference to the time after withdrawal. We suggest that potential treatments can be divided into three categories; (1) the prevention of neurotoxicity if recidivism occurs, (2) amelioration of apoptotic cascades that may occur even in the withdrawal period and (3) treatment of the atypical depression associated with withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Davidson
- Department of Psychiatry, Box 3870, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Jayanthi S, Deng X, Bordelon M, McCoy MT, Cadet JL. Methamphetamine causes differential regulation of pro-death and anti-death Bcl-2 genes in the mouse neocortex. FASEB J 2001; 15:1745-52. [PMID: 11481222 DOI: 10.1096/fj.01-0025com] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Bcl-2, an inner mitochondrial membrane protein, inhibits apoptotic neuronal cell death. Expression of Bcl-2 inhibits cell death by decreasing the net cellular generation of reactive oxygen species. Studies by different investigators have provided unimpeachable evidence of a role for oxygen-based free radicals in methamphetamine (METH) -induced neurotoxicity. In addition, studies from our laboratory have shown that immortalized rat neuronal cells that overexpress Bcl-2 are protected against METH-induced apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, the amphetamines can cause differential changes in the expression of Bcl-X splice variants in primary cortical cell cultures. These observations suggested that METH might also cause perturbations of Bcl-2-related genes when administered to rodents. Thus, the present study was conducted to determine whether the use of METH might indeed be associated with transcriptional and translational changes in the expression of Bcl-2-related genes in the mouse brain. Here we report that a toxic regimen of METH did cause significant increases in the pro-death Bcl-2 family genes BAD, BAX, and BID. Concomitantly, there were significant decreases in the anti-death genes Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL. These results thus support the notion that injections of toxic doses of METH trigger the activation of the programmed death pathway in the mammalian brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Jayanthi
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Section, NIDA-IRP, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA
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Fleckenstein AE, Gibb JW, Hanson GR. Differential effects of stimulants on monoaminergic transporters: pharmacological consequences and implications for neurotoxicity. Eur J Pharmacol 2000; 406:1-13. [PMID: 11011026 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(00)00639-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Many psychostimulants alter plasmalemmal monoaminergic transporter function. Some, such as cocaine, prevent the reuptake of newly released dopamine, serotonin or norepinephrine into their associated neurons. Others, such as the amphetamines, facilitate release of these transmitters into the extraneuronal space by causing a reversal of function of these carrier proteins. An understanding of how psychostimulants regulate the function of not only plasmalemmal, but also vesicular monoamine transporter function is important to appreciate the pharmacological and sometimes neurotoxic consequences of administering these drugs, as well as the physiological regulation of these carrier proteins. Hence, this review will describe recent ex vivo studies investigating the rapid and differential affects of several stimulants on both plasmalemmal and vesicular monoamine transporter function.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Fleckenstein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, 30 South 2000 East, Rm 201, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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35
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Myers CS, Witten M, Yu YL, Wagner GC. L-DOPA exacerbates amphetamine-induced dopamine depletion. MOLECULAR AND CHEMICAL NEUROPATHOLOGY 1998; 33:81-97. [PMID: 9565967 DOI: 10.1007/bf02870183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Administration of L-DOPA to Parkinson patients has been suggested to exacerbate "functional denervation" of the nigrostriatal system. Therefore, experiments were conducted to determine if L-DOPA combined with the DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor, Ro4-4602 (benserazide hydrochloride) would potentiate amphetamine-induced neurotoxicity. Mice received two injections of saline or benserazide + L-DOPA (25.0 or 100.0 mg/kg) interspersed with four injections of amphetamine (15.0 mg/kg) at 2-h intervals. Significant depletion of striatal dopamine, DOPAC, and HVA was evident 1 wk following amphetamine administered with or without 25.0 mg/kg L-DOPA + benserazide, whereas 100.0 mg/kg L-DOPA + benserazide potentiated amphetamine-induced depletion of striatal dopamine (17 vs 28% of control values). This enhanced toxicity may be consequent to increased dopamine turnover following L-DOPA (360 vs 231%), a situation akin to that observed in compromised dopaminergic nigrostriatal systems of parkinsonian patients. Furthermore, striatal 5-HT was not altered by amphetamine alone, whereas concurrent administration of L-DOPA/ benserazide depleted 5-HT to 82% of control values. No changes were evident in the frontal cortex following amphetamine with or without concurrent L-DOPA/benserazide; however, L-DOPA/benserazide administered alone reduced 5-HT and 5-HT turnover to 58% of control values.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Myers
- Psychology Department, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
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Abstract
Oxygen is an essential element for normal life. However, reactive oxygen species (ROS) can also participate in deleterious reactions that can affect lipid, protein, and nucleic acid. Normal physiological function thus depends on a balance between these ROS and the scavenging systems that aerobic organisms have developed over millennia. Tilting of that balance towards a pro-oxidant state might result from both endogenous and exogenous causes. In the present paper, we elaborate on the thesis that the neurodegenerative effects of two drugs, namely methamphetamine (METH, ICE) and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) are due to ROS overproduction in monoaminergic systems in the brain. We also discuss the role of oxygen-based species in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration and in Parkinson's disease. Studies are underway to identify specific cellular and molecular mechanisms that are regulated by oxygen species. These studies promise to further clarify the role of oxidative stress in neurodegeneration and in plastic changes that occur during the administration of addictive agents that affect the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Section, NIH/NIDA, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Fasciano J, Hatzidimitriou G, Yuan J, Katz JL, Ricaurte GA. N-methylation dissociates methamphetamine's neurotoxic and behavioral pharmacologic effects. Brain Res 1997; 771:115-20. [PMID: 9383014 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(97)00801-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The present studies further examined the effect of N-methylation on the behavioral and neurotoxic effects of methamphetamine. Drug discrimination studies employing a training dose of 1 mg/kg of methamphetamine were used to confirm and extend previous behavioral studies indicating that N-methylation reduced the behavioral activity of methamphetamine 5- to 10-fold. In subsequent neurotoxicity studies, rats received doses of methamphetamine (10 mg/kg, s.c., every 6 h x 5) or its N-methylated derivative, N,N-dimethylamphetamine (100 mg/kg, s.c., every 6 h x 5) that, based on the results of the behavioral studies, would be expected to produce behaviorally equivalent effects. Saline-treated rats served as controls. Two weeks after treatment, the status of brain dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) neurons was assessed by measuring DA and 5-HT axon terminal markers. As anticipated, methamphetamine produced neurochemical deficits indicative of DA and 5-HT axon terminal damage. By contrast, despite the fact that it was given at a dose behaviorally equivalent to methamphetamine, N-N-dimethylamphetamine failed to produce signs of DA or 5-HT neurotoxicity. These results indicate that N-methylation dissociates methamphetamine's neurotoxic and behavioral pharmacologic effects, and suggest that it may be possible to separate the neurotoxic and pharmacologic effects of other substituted amphetamine derivatives with potentially useful clinical activity (e.g. fenfluramine and methylenedioxymethamphetamine).
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Affiliation(s)
- J Fasciano
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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38
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Broening HW, Pu C, Vorhees CV. Methamphetamine selectively damages dopaminergic innervation to the nucleus accumbens core while sparing the shell. Synapse 1997; 27:153-60. [PMID: 9266776 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2396(199710)27:2<153::aid-syn6>3.0.co;2-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Dopaminergic innervation to the nucleus accumbens was investigated following a neurotoxic regimen of methamphetamine (MA) treatment. Four 10 mg/kg doses of MA were administered s.c. to male Sprague-Dawley rats with a 2 h interval between doses. Rectal temperatures were monitored for the induction of MA-induced hyperthermia. Three days or 2 weeks after MA treatment the animals were sacrificed by transcardial perfusion and processed for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH-IR) and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity (GFAP-IR). MA treatment produced a severe loss of TH-IR throughout the striatum, including the nucleus accumbens. However, within the nucleus accumbens, there was substantial sparing of TH-IR in the shell, while in the core immunoreactivity was almost entirely lost. Furthermore, astrogliosis, as demonstrated by GFAP-IR, was prevalent in the core but present only in sparse patches in the medial and lateral shell. Thus, dopaminergic innervation to the nucleus accumbens core undergoes degeneration following MA treatment, while innervation to the shell is resistant to the neurodegenerative effects of MA.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Broening
- Children's Hospital Research Foundation, and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3039, USA
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39
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Churchyard A, Mathias CJ, Boonkongchuen P, Lees AJ. Autonomic effects of selegiline: possible cardiovascular toxicity in Parkinson's disease. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1997; 63:228-34. [PMID: 9285463 PMCID: PMC2169684 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.63.2.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The United Kingdom Parkinson's Disease Research Group (UKPDRG) trial found an increased mortality in patients with Parkinson's disease randomised to receive selegiline (10 mg/day) and levodopa compared with those taking levodopa alone. Unwanted effects of selegiline on cardiovascular regulation have been investigated as a potential cause for the unexpected mortality finding of the UKPDRG trial. METHODS The cardiovascular responses to a range of physiological stimuli, including standing and head up tilt, were studied in patients with Parkinson's disease receiving levodopa alone and a matched group on levodopa and selegiline. RESULTS Head up tilt caused selective and often severe orthostatic hypotension in nine of 16 patients taking selegiline and levodopa, but was without effect on nine patients receiving levodopa alone. Two patients taking selegiline lost consciousness with unrecordable blood pressures and a further four had severe symptomatic hypotension. The normal protective rises in heart rate and plasma noradrenaline were impaired. The abnormal response to head up tilt was reversed by discontinuation of selegiline. Drug withdrawal caused a pronounced deterioration in motor function in 13 of the 16 patients taking selegiline. CONCLUSION Therapy with selegiline and levodopa in combination may be associated with severe orthostatic hypotension not attributable to levodopa alone. Selegiline also has pronounced symptomatic motor effects in advanced Parkinson's disease. The possibilities that these cardiovascular and motor findings might be due either to non-selective inhibition of monoamine oxidase or to amphetamine and met-amphetamine are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Churchyard
- Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
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40
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Melega WP, Raleigh MJ, Stout DB, Huang SC, Phelps ME. Ethological and 6-[18F]fluoro-L-DOPA-PET profiles of long-term vulnerability to chronic amphetamine. Behav Brain Res 1997; 84:259-68. [PMID: 9079790 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-4328(97)83333-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A chronic 10-day amphetamine (Amp) protocol was used to induce significant long-term decrements of the striatal [18F]fluoro-L-DOPA influx rate constant (FDOPA Ki) in the vervet monkey. Longitudinal FDOPA-positron emission tomography (PET) assessment in Amp-treated subjects subsequently revealed a gradual recovery of striatal dopamine function: FDOPA Ki values were decreased by approximately 70% at 1 month, approximately 45% at 6 months, approximately 20% at 12 months and were similar to pre-Amp values at 24 months. Motoric and social behavioral measures were obtained on all subjects within a species-typical group setting. Behavioral observations were conducted during both basal and stressor-challenge conditions, the latter being created by placing a potential intruder-animal in an individual cage adjacent to the subject's group enclosure. During basal conditions, post-Amp stereotypies were present at 2 weeks and locomotor behaviors were increased throughout 1 month; both alterations occurred while FDOPA Ki values were significantly decreased. Social behaviors were also significantly affected; affiliative behavior was decreased up to 6 months while aggressive behavior was increased for 12 months. However, a different pattern of behavioral changes emerged under stressor-challenge conditions. Motoric and social changes were of greater magnitude and persisted longer than in basal settings while aggressive behavior remained elevated at 24 months. These results indicate that chronic Amp-induced decreases in FDOPA Ki values and behavioral alterations are reversible. Changes in striatal dopamine function as indexed with FDOPA-PET are not correlated with post-Amp alterations in behaviors and moreover, expression of those behaviors is context-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- W P Melega
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1735, USA.
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41
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Wilson JM, Kalasinsky KS, Levey AI, Bergeron C, Reiber G, Anthony RM, Schmunk GA, Shannak K, Haycock JW, Kish SJ. Striatal dopamine nerve terminal markers in human, chronic methamphetamine users. Nat Med 1996; 2:699-703. [PMID: 8640565 DOI: 10.1038/nm0696-699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 553] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine is a drug that is significantly abused worldwide, Although long-lasting depletion of dopamine and other dopamine nerve terminal markers has been reported in striatum of nonhuman primates receiving very high doses of the psychostimulant, no information is available for humans. We found reduced levels of three dopamine nerve terminal markers (dopamine, tyrosine hydroxylase and the dopamine transporter) in post-mortem striatum (nucleus accumbens, caudate, putamen) of chronic methamphetamine users. However, levels of DOPA decarboxylase and the vesicular monoamine transporter, known to be reduced in Parkinson's disease, were normal. This suggests that chronic exposure to methamphetamine does not cause permanent degeneration of striatal dopamine nerve terminals at the doses used by the young subjects in our study. However, the dopamine reduction might explain some of the dysphoric effects of the drug, whereas the decreased dopamine transporter could provide the basis for dose escalation occurring in some methamphetamine users.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Wilson
- Human Neurochemical Pathology Laboratory, Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Acuff-Smith KD, Schilling MA, Fisher JE, Vorhees CV. Stage-specific effects of prenatal d-methamphetamine exposure on behavioral and eye development in rats. Neurotoxicol Teratol 1996; 18:199-215. [PMID: 8709932 DOI: 10.1016/0892-0362(95)02015-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20 mg/kg d-methamphetamine (MA), expressed as the free base, by SC injection (b.i.d., 8 h apart) on days 7-12 or 13-18 of gestation. Plasma concentration of MA and amphetamine were determined after the last dose. MA reduced gestation weight gain. The late exposure resulted in an increase in maternal and offspring mortality and reduced offspring growth. Offspring treated early in gestation with MA showed delayed development of early locomotion. In addition, memory impairment, evidenced by decreased target quadrant times and platform crossings on test trials and increased latency on reversal trials in the Morris spatial navigation maze, reduced spontaneous alternation, and lengthened passive avoidance retention latency was seen in the early treated high-dose groups. A reduction of serotonin was found in the nucleus accumbens following late exposure to MA at 20 mg/kg. Animals in both exposure groups had eye defects; however, the type of defect was dependent on the developmental stage at the time of dosing. Anophthalmia occurred only after early MA exposure, whereas folded retina was drug related only after late MA exposure. The behavioral effects did not show graded dose dependency; however, the effects were sensitive to exposure period. The early exposed animals had more alterations in behavior whereas the late exposed group showed higher mortality, reduced body weights, and neurochemical alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- K D Acuff-Smith
- Division of Developmental Biology, Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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43
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Melega WP, Quintana J, Raleigh MJ, Stout DB, Yu DC, Lin KP, Huang SC, Phelps ME. 6-[18F]fluoro-L-DOPA-PET studies show partial reversibility of long-term effects of chronic amphetamine in monkeys. Synapse 1996; 22:63-9. [PMID: 8822479 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2396(199601)22:1<63::aid-syn7>3.0.co;2-g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The acute and long-term effects of chronic amphetamine administration on the striatal dopamine system in monkeys were assessed with 6-[18F]fluoro-L-DOPA (FDOPA) and positron emission tomography (PET). Vervet monkeys (Cerecopithecus aethiops) were administered amphetamine doses, i.m., that increased from 4 mg/kg/d to 18 mg/kg/d over a 10 day period. Post-amphetamine FDOPA-PET scans at 1-2, 3-4, and 6 week time points in individual subjects showed persistent decrements in dopamine synthesis capacity as reflected by FDOPA influx rate constant (Ki) values being approximately 30% that of pre-drug assessment. In other animals that were administered the same drug regimen, biochemical analysis of striatal regions at 1-2 weeks post-drug indicated that dopamine concentrations were decreased by approximately 95% throughout caudate and putamen regions, while the homovanillic acid/dopamine level ratio was increased 3-10-fold. Post-drug FDOPA-PET Ki values remained consistently low up to 6 weeks; however, at the 5-6 month time point, relative increases in FDOPA-Ki values (approximately 53% of pre-drug values) were observed for all subjects, indicative of partial recovery of striatal dopamine synthesis capacity. These results demonstrate that FDOPA-PET can reveal temporal activity changes within the striatal dopamine system of individual subjects. The apparent, partial reversibility of amphetamine's neurotoxic effects suggests a plasticity of dopaminergic function that may include regeneration of dopaminergic terminals and compensatory increases in residual dopamine synthesis rates. The persistence of the partial decrement in dopamine synthesis capacity, however, may indicate a long term component of amphetamine's toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- W P Melega
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA School of Medicine 90095-1735
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44
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Boireau A, Bordier F, Dubédat P, Doble A. Methamphetamine and dopamine neurotoxicity: differential effects of agents interfering with glutamatergic transmission. Neurosci Lett 1995; 195:9-12. [PMID: 7478259 DOI: 10.1016/0304-3940(95)11765-o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The effects of riluzole and lamotrigine, two agents which interfere with the release of glutamate (GLU), and MK-801, a blocker of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, were compared in the model of methamphetamine-induced depletion of dopamine (DA) levels in mice. Repeated injections with methamphetamine (4 x 5 mg/kg i.p.) markedly decreased levels of DA, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels. When mice were treated with riluzole (2 x 10 mg/kg p.o.), no protection was observed against the decrease in DA and the two metabolites. Lamotrigine (2 x 10 mg/kg p.o.) was also inactive. Treatment with MK-801 (2 x 2.5 mg/kg i.p.) antagonized the decrease in DA, DOPAC and HVA levels induced by the neurotoxin. Thus, unlike an NMDA blocker, drugs that interfere with GLU release did not antagonize the methamphetamine-induced DA neurotoxicity in mice. The consequences of this inactivity are discussed in terms of the reliability of this model to test new drugs with putative efficacy in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Boireau
- Rhône-Poulenc Rorer S.A., Centre de Recherche de Vitry-Alfortville, Département Biologie, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
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45
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Sonsalla PK. The role of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in dopaminergic neuropathology produced by the amphetamines. Drug Alcohol Depend 1995; 37:101-5. [PMID: 7758399 DOI: 10.1016/0376-8716(94)01064-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Although it has been known for several decades that the administration of amphetamines to experimental animals produces damage to monoaminergic neurons, the mechanism(s) underlying this neuropathology is unknown. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that various N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists can prevent the damage produced by the amphetamines. The purpose of this communication is to review the evidence which demonstrates the role of NMDA receptors in the neuropathology of neostriatal dopaminergic neurons produced by the amphetamines and to discuss how the action of the amphetamines may potentially affect NMDA receptor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- P K Sonsalla
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway 08854, USA
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46
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Toru M, Kurumaji A, Ishimaru M. Excitatory amino acids: implications for psychiatric disorders research. Life Sci 1994; 55:1683-99. [PMID: 7968248 DOI: 10.1016/0024-3205(94)00337-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The hyperdopaminergic theory of schizophrenia may account for some types of schizophrenia, but schizophrenia with negative symptoms or resulting in a chronic state of deterioration after repeated relapses cannot be explained by this theory. This minireview first discusses the interactions between dopamine and excitatory amino acid (EAA) neurons to produce abnormal behavior. Secondly, it deals with the influence of the psychotropic drugs on EAA, such as the relationship between phencyclidine and the hypoglutamate theory, the involvement of EAA in behavioral sensitization induced by amphetamines, the interactions between antipsychotic, antidepressant and antianxiety drugs and EAA, considering the possibility of developing newer psychotropic drugs related with EAA. Finally, glutamate receptors measured in postmortem schizophrenic brains are tabulated and the bases of the hypoglutamate hypothesis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Toru
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Tokyo Medical and Dental University School of Medicine, Japan
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47
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Farfel GM, Vosmer GL, Seiden LS. The N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist MK-801 protects against serotonin depletions induced by methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and p-chloroamphetamine. Brain Res 1993; 595:121-7. [PMID: 1361410 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(92)91460-v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801 blocks the ability of D-methamphetamine (MA) to deplete striatal dopamine (DA). We now report that MK-801 attenuates decreases in serotonin (5-HT) concentration induced by MA and two other amphetamine analogues, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and p-chloroamphetamine (PCA). Rats were injected with saline (1.0 ml/kg) or MK-801 (0.5, 1.0 or 2.5 mg/kg) followed by either saline (1.0 mg/kg), MA (4, 2 or 1 injection(s); 10.0, 20.0 or 40.0 mg/kg), MDMA (20.0 or 40.0 mg/kg) or PCA (5.0 or 10.0 mg/kg). In some experiments, two injections of MK-801 or saline were used. Seventy-two hours after the last injection rats were sacrificed and concentrations of 5-HT, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and DA were determined in hippocampus and striatum. MA caused a depletion of 5-HT to 33% of control in hippocampus and to 50% of control in striatum after the 4 x 10.0 mg/kg dose regimen. When MK-801 (2.5 mg/kg) was co-administered with MA, concentrations of 5-HT did not differ from control levels in either brain region. MDMA depleted 5-HT to approximately 58% of control in hippocampus and 66% of control in striatum at the 40 mg/kg dose.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Farfel
- University of Chicago, Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Sciences, IL 60637
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48
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Brunswick DJ, Benmansour S, Tejani-Butt SM, Hauptmann M. Effects of high-dose methamphetamine on monoamine uptake sites in rat brain measured by quantitative autoradiography. Synapse 1992; 11:287-93. [PMID: 1502685 DOI: 10.1002/syn.890110404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The neurotoxicity of methamphetamine to monoaminergic neurons was examined. Neurotoxicity was assessed by quantitative autoradiography using radioligands specific for binding to norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin uptake sites. High-dose administration of methamphetamine led to decreases in binding to uptake sites for the three monoamines. Norepinephrine binding sites were decreased in certain amygdaloid nuclei and in the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus. Serotonin binding sites were reduced in widespread brain areas, while dopamine binding sites were reduced in the caudate putamen, olfactory tubercle, and nucleus accumbens. The decreases in binding site density for the three monoamines are limited to terminal field areas; cell body areas are not affected. Our results indicate that methamphetamine is neurotoxic to serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine neurons. The neurotoxicity to norepinephrine neurons is in selected brain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Brunswick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia
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49
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Affiliation(s)
- R W Fuller
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285
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50
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Won L, Kontur PJ, Choi HK, Hoffmann PC, Heller B, Heller A. Acute and persistent effects of methamphetamine on developing monoaminergic neurons in reaggregate tissue culture. Brain Res 1992; 575:6-12. [PMID: 1504781 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(92)90416-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional, rotation-mediated reaggregate tissue cultures composed of rostral mesencephalic cells and corpus striatal cells were used to examine the short-term and persistent effects of methamphetamine on developing monoamine-containing neurons. Reaggregates were exposed to drug for one week. Reductions in reaggregate endogenous dopamine and serotonin levels occurred following treatment with methamphetamine during days 15-22 of culture over the concentration range 10(-7) to 10(-4) M. The highest methamphetamine concentration reduced dopamine and serotonin levels to 29 and 33%, respectively, of control values. Monoamine levels were reduced from control values after 3 days of exposure to 10(-4) M methamphetamine. No further reduction resulted from 4 additional days of drug treatment. In order to determine whether monoaminergic neurons would recover from the drug-induced deficit, reaggregates were exposed to 10(-4) M methamphetamine for 7 days and then grown in drug-free media for an additional 20 days. During the 20 day recovery period, monoamine levels in the control group increased with time in culture. After an initial rapid increase (recovery days 0-9), the level of monoamines in the recovery group remained at a constant proportion to the level in the control group suggesting that the monoaminergic neurons return to a rate of development similar to that seen in untreated cultures. However, this rate was not sufficient to overcome the reduction in monoamine levels produced by 7 days of methamphetamine treatment. The results indicate that the effects of methamphetamine on developing monoaminergic neurons are marked and persistent.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Won
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Sciences, University of Chicago, IL 60637
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