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MK-801 fails to modify the effect of methamphetamine on dopamine release in the rat striatum

K Kashihara1, K Okumura, M Onishi

  • 1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Medical School, Japan.

Neuroreport
|May 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

MK-801 did not alter methamphetamine

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Methamphetamine (MAP) causes significant dopamine (DA) release in the striatum.
  • MK-801 is an NMDA receptor antagonist with potential modulatory effects on neurotransmitter systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of MK-801 on methamphetamine-induced dopamine release in rat striatum.
  • To determine if MK-801 influences the acute dopaminergic effects of methamphetamine.

Main Methods:

  • In-vivo microdialysis in freely moving rats.
  • Administration of MK-801 (0.5 mg/kg) and methamphetamine (4 mg/kg).
  • Measurement of extracellular dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels.

Main Results:

  • Combined MK-801 and methamphetamine treatment did not alter the increase in extracellular DA induced by methamphetamine.
  • MK-801 did not affect the decrease in 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels caused by methamphetamine.
  • No significant modification of acute methamphetamine's effects on striatal dopamine release was observed.

Conclusions:

  • MK-801 does not acutely affect methamphetamine-induced dopamine release in the rat striatum.
  • The mechanism by which MK-801 blocks behavioral sensitization to methamphetamine is likely independent of direct modulation of dopamine neurons.

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