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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
09:16
A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Buprenorphine modulates methamphetamine-induced dopamine dynamics in the rat caudate nucleus
Frederico C Pereira1, Bobby Gough, Tice R Macedo
1Institute of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Biomedical Institute for Research in Light and Image, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Subunit 1-Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Celas, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal. fredcp@ci.uc.pt
Neurotoxicity Research
|December 25, 2009
Summary
Opioid agonists like morphine and buprenorphine alter dopamine release in rats exposed to methamphetamine (METH). Buprenorphine shows potential for treating METH addiction by modulating these neurochemical effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Methamphetamine (METH) abuse is a global health crisis.
- METH-induced neurotoxicity is largely mediated by oxidative stress.
- Current treatments for METH addiction are limited, necessitating exploration of pharmacotherapeutic adjuncts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interactions between morphine and buprenorphine with METH.
- To assess the effects on striatal dopaminergic transmission.
- To explore potential therapeutic strategies for METH addiction.
Main Methods:
- Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used.
- Brain microdialysis coupled with HPLC-ED measured extracellular dopamine (DA) and DOPAC in the caudate nucleus.
- Rats were treated with METH alone or in combination with morphine or buprenorphine.
Main Results:
- Morphine prolonged METH-induced DA release without altering peak effect or DOPAC levels.
- Both doses of buprenorphine attenuated the METH-induced DA peak-effect.
- High-dose buprenorphine extended DA outflow and shortened METH-induced DOPAC decrease, while low-dose abbreviated DA release.
Conclusions:
- Opiates, including morphine and buprenorphine, modulate METH-evoked dopaminergic neurotransmission.
- Buprenorphine's alteration of the dopaminergic response to METH suggests its potential effectiveness as a treatment for METH addiction.
- These findings support buprenorphine as an adjunctive therapy for METH addiction.
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