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A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Chronic methamphetamine induces structural changes in frontal cortex neurons and upregulates type I interferons.
Alice Coutinho1, Claudia Flynn, Tricia H Burdo
1Molecular and Integrative Neurosciences Department, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, SP30-2030 La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Summary
Chronic methamphetamine abuse in primates alters brain structure and increases type I interferons (interferon-alpha and interferon-beta). These changes in neuronal structure and cytokines may explain the cognitive and behavioral abnormalities associated with methamphetamine addiction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Methamphetamine abuse is linked to cognitive and behavioral deficits.
- The precise mechanisms underlying these deficits, particularly neurostructural and molecular changes, remain unclear.
- Previous research focused on neurotransmitters, receptors, and transporters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurostructural and molecular consequences of chronic methamphetamine administration in nonhuman primates.
- To correlate these changes with potential mechanisms for observed functional abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Chronic administration of methamphetamine to nonhuman primates at recreationally relevant doses.
- Neurostructural analysis of frontal lobe neurons, including dendritic material and spine density.
- Molecular examination of type I interferons (interferon-alpha and interferon-beta) in the frontal lobe.
Main Results:
- Chronic methamphetamine treatment led to decreased dendritic material and loss of spines in frontal lobe neurons.
- A significant increase in type I interferons (interferon-alpha and interferon-beta) was observed in the frontal lobe.
- These molecular changes correlated with the observed neurostructural alterations.
Conclusions:
- Chronic methamphetamine abuse induces significant neurostructural changes in the primate brain, characterized by dendritic alterations.
- Methamphetamine treatment increases frontal lobe type I interferons, suggesting a role for cytokines in addiction.
- These combined neurostructural and molecular changes offer a potential explanation for the cognitive and behavioral abnormalities associated with methamphetamine abuse.
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