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Methamphetamine produces subsequent reductions in running time to exhaustion in mice
M I Kalinski1, D E Dluzen, R Stadulis
1Exercise Sciences Laboratories, School of Exercise, Leisure and Sport, Kent State University, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242-0001, USA. mkalinsk@kent.edu
Abstract:
Treatment with methamphetamine (MA - 20 mg/kg x 4 i.p. at 2-h intervals) or its vehicle at 7 days prior to tests of running time to exhaustion were evaluated in 60-day-old CD-1 male mice. Pre-treatment running times were not significantly different between the two groups. MA resulted in significantly decreased running times to exhaustion compared to vehicle-treated controls and a significant reduction in corpus striatal dopamine and DOPAC but not norepinephrine. No statistically significant differences in catecholamines were obtained within the hypothalamus, or left ventricle of the heart, nor were body weights significantly different between these groups. The data show that a regimen of MA, which results in an approximate 90% depletion of striatal DA, produces a reduction in running time to exhaustion.
Insights
Methamphetamine (MA) significantly reduced endurance running time in mice by depleting dopamine in the brain. This study links methamphetamine use to decreased physical performance and neurochemical changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Methamphetamine (MA) is a stimulant with known effects on neurotransmitter systems.
- Understanding MA's impact on physical performance and brain chemistry is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of methamphetamine on running endurance in mice.
- To examine the relationship between MA-induced neurochemical changes and physical performance.
Main Methods:
- Male CD-1 mice (60 days old) were treated with methamphetamine (20 mg/kg x 4 i.p.) or vehicle.
- Running time to exhaustion was measured 7 days post-treatment.
- Corpus striatal and hypothalamic catecholamine levels (dopamine, DOPAC, norepinephrine) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Methamphetamine significantly reduced running time to exhaustion compared to controls.
- MA caused a significant depletion of dopamine and DOPAC in the corpus striatum.
- No significant changes in norepinephrine or catecholamines in the hypothalamus or heart were observed.
Conclusions:
- Methamphetamine administration leads to a substantial reduction in physical endurance in mice.
- Striatal dopamine depletion is associated with decreased running performance following MA treatment.
