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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Methanandamide blocks amphetamine-induced behavioral sensitization in rats.
Bruce A Rasmussen1, Ellen M Unterwald, Jae K Kim
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA.
Methanandamide blocks the development of amphetamine-induced behavioral sensitization in rats. This suggests the lipid methanandamide may regulate signaling pathways affected by repeated psychostimulant exposure.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Amphetamine induces hyperactivity and behavioral sensitization.
- Methanandamide is an endogenous lipid that may modulate neurotransmitter systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of methanandamide on amphetamine-induced acute hyperactivity and behavioral sensitization in rats.
Main Methods:
- Rats received methanandamide (5mg/kg) pretreatment before acute amphetamine (2mg/kg) administration.
- Rats were repeatedly exposed to amphetamine (2mg/kg) for 3 days, with or without methanandamide co-administration.
- Behavioral sensitization was assessed by challenging rats with amphetamine after a withdrawal period.
Main Results:
- Methanandamide did not affect basal locomotor activity or acute amphetamine-induced hyperactivity.
- Methanandamide pretreatment blocked the expression of locomotor sensitization.
- Co-administration of methanandamide and amphetamine during repeated exposure blocked the development of both locomotor and stereotypical sensitization.
Conclusions:
- Methanandamide effectively blocks the development and expression of amphetamine-induced behavioral sensitization.
- These findings suggest methanandamide plays a role in regulating signaling pathways involved in psychostimulant-induced behavioral plasticity.
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