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Related Experiment Videos

Dopamine transport function is elevated in cocaine users.

Deborah C Mash1, John Pablo, Qinjie Ouyang

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33101, USA. dmash@newssun.med.miami.edu

Journal of Neurochemistry
|June 18, 2002
PubMed
Summary
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Chronic cocaine abuse elevates dopamine transporter (DAT) function, increasing dopamine uptake in the brain. This study confirms DAT function elevation in cocaine users, offering insights into addiction mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Addiction Research
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Dopaminergic transmission is crucial for reinforcement, withdrawal, and craving in psychostimulant addiction.
  • Psychostimulants like cocaine increase synaptic dopamine by reducing dopamine transporter (DAT) clearance.
  • Previous studies indicated increased DAT-binding site density in chronic cocaine abusers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether chronic cocaine abuse increases the functional activity of the dopamine transporter (DAT).
  • To assess the viability of post-mortem human brain synaptosomes for studying DAT function.
  • To explore DAT function in cocaine users versus individuals with excited cocaine delirium.

Main Methods:

  • Modeled post-mortem interval effects on synaptosome viability using baboon brains.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Assayed dopamine (DA) uptake and [3H]WIN 35,428 binding in cryopreserved human brain synaptosomes.
  • Compared cocaine users and age-matched drug-free controls, including victims of excited cocaine delirium.

    • Main Results:

    • Baboon synaptosomes remained viable for up to 24 hours post-mortem under simulated autopsy conditions.
    • Dopamine uptake was twofold higher in the ventral striatum of cocaine users compared to controls.
    • Elevated DA uptake and [3H]WIN 35,428 binding were observed in cocaine users, but not in excited delirium victims.

    Conclusions:

    • Chronic cocaine abuse enhances dopamine transporter (DAT) function, not just binding site density.
    • Cryopreserved human brain synaptosomes are a viable model for studying drug actions and brain disorders.
    • DAT function elevation is specific to chronic cocaine abuse, differentiating it from acute cocaine intoxication states.