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Published on: January 22, 2016
Lobeline effects on tonic and methamphetamine-induced dopamine release
Clare J Wilhelm1, Robert A Johnson, Amy J Eshleman
1Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
Biochemical Pharmacology
|January 15, 2008
Summary
Lobeline affects dopamine transporters differently than other drugs, showing potential for treating methamphetamine abuse by unique interactions with dopamine and vesicular monoamine transporters.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The interaction mechanisms of lobeline with dopamine transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT-2) remain unclear.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for potential therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of lobeline on DAT and VMAT-2 function.
- To elucidate the specific mechanisms by which lobeline interacts with these monoamine transporters.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a cell system co-expressing both the dopamine transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT-2).
- Assessed the release of [(3)H]dopamine in response to lobeline, reserpine, methamphetamine, and dopamine.
Main Results:
- Lobeline induced [(3)H]dopamine release comparable to reserpine (a VMAT-2 inhibitor) but less than methamphetamine or dopamine.
- Lobeline attenuated the [(3)H]dopamine-releasing effects of methamphetamine, contrasting with reserpine's potentiating effect.
Conclusions:
- Lobeline exhibits distinct interaction properties at the DAT and VMAT-2.
- These unique properties suggest lobeline's potential as a pharmacotherapeutic agent for managing methamphetamine abuse.
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