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CART peptide increases the mesolimbic dopaminergic neuronal activity: a microdialysis study
Shu-Chuan Yang1, Jenn-Tser Pan, Hui-Yun Li
1Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan, ROC.
European Journal of Pharmacology
|June 24, 2004
Summary
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide increases dopamine metabolites in the brain. This suggests CART peptide may have psychostimulant-like effects by activating the mesolimbic dopaminergic system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuropharmacology
- Molecular Psychiatry
Background:
- The cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide is implicated in various neurological processes.
- Understanding CART peptide's role in the dopaminergic system is crucial for neurobiological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of CART peptide on dopamine metabolites in the nucleus accumbens shell.
- To determine if CART peptide influences the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway.
Main Methods:
- Microdialysis was employed in conscious rats to measure extracellular dopamine metabolites.
- Intracerebroventricular injections of varying doses of CART(55-102) peptide were administered.
Main Results:
- CART(55-102) peptide administration resulted in dose-dependent increases in DOPAC and HVA concentrations.
- These increases were observed in the shell region of the nucleus accumbens (AcbSh).
Conclusions:
- CART peptide administration elevates dopamine metabolite levels in the AcbSh.
- Findings suggest CART peptide exerts psychostimulant-like effects through mesolimbic dopaminergic system activation.