Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2026

Comprehensive Profiling of Dopamine Regulation in Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area
Published on: August 10, 2012
Pseudoephedrine, a sympathomimetic agent, induces Fos-like immunoreactivity in rat nucleus accumbens and striatum
E Kumarnsit1, P Harnyuttanakorn, D Meksuriyen
1Neuro-Behavioural Biology Center, Institute of Science and Technology, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakorn Pathorn, Thailand.
Abstract:
The pharmacological properties of the ephedrine derivative pseudoephedrine were investigated at the nuclear level. Following intraperitoneal injection of Sprague Dawley rats with pseudoephedrine, Fos induction was measured in various brain areas by Western blots and immunocytochemistry. Pseudoephedrine induced Fos-like immunoreactivity in the nucleus accumbens and striatum in a time and concentration-dependent manner with maximal effect at 60 mg/kg 2 h after injection. Immunocytochemical studies confirmed that the majority of the signal was detectable in the nucleus accumbens and striatum. Pre-injection with the D1 dopamine receptor antagonist SCH23390 partially and completely blocked pseudoephedrine-induced Fos-like immunoreactivity in the striatum and nucleus accumbens, respectively, suggesting that the action of pseudoephedrine is mediated via dopamine release and results in the activation of D1 dopamine receptors. With the exception of the higher doses required, the actions of pseudoephedrine were similar to those previously described for the psychostimulant amphetamine.
More Related Videos
08:07Simultaneous Detection of c-Fos Activation from Mesolimbic and Mesocortical Dopamine Reward Sites Following Naive Sugar and Fat Ingestion in Rats
Published on: August 24, 2016
08:37Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) and Gene Expression Analysis of Fos-expressing Neurons from Fresh and Frozen Rat Brain Tissue
Published on: August 27, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Adrenergic Neurons: Neurotransmission
Synthesis: Catecholamine synthesis requires tyrosine, which is taken...
Adrenergic Agonists: Direct-Acting Agents
These agents can be classified...
Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...
Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
Adrenergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Aromatic ring substitutions: Substituting the aromatic ring with –OH groups at positions 3 and 4 yields catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine), which have a high affinity for adrenoceptors. Hydrogen bonding between –OH groups and receptors enhances adrenergic activity.
Separation of the aromatic...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake