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09:16
A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Methamphetamine causes sustained depression in cerebral blood flow.
Oksana Polesskaya1, Jharon Silva, Christine Sanfilippo
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, the University of Rochester Medical Center, 575 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
Brain Research
|December 16, 2010
Summary
Methamphetamine (MA) acutely decreases cerebral blood flow (CBF) by causing vasoconstriction, even after a single use. This MA-induced CBF reduction is linked to respiratory changes, not direct blood vessel effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Methamphetamine (MA) use is increasing, with known associations to cerebrovascular damage.
- MA abuse can lead to altered cerebral blood flow (CBF), hemorrhage, and stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of MA on CBF in mice.
- To determine the mechanisms underlying MA-induced changes in CBF.
Main Methods:
- C56BL/6 mice were administered a single dose of MA (5mg/kg).
- Cerebral blood flow was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry and in vivo two-photon imaging.
- Pharmacological interventions (phentolamine) and controlled ventilation were used to assess mechanisms.
Main Results:
- MA caused a biphasic CBF response: an initial increase followed by a sustained ~25% decrease.
- The decrease in CBF was linked to MA-induced hypocapnia due to increased respiratory rate.
- Controlling respiration abolished the MA-induced CBF reduction, indicating hypocapnia as the primary driver.
Conclusions:
- Acute MA exposure significantly alters CBF, primarily through MA-induced respiratory changes leading to hypocapnia.
- Sustained vasoconstriction of cerebral arterioles was observed.
- These findings highlight the potential for even single MA use to impair brain function via CBF alterations.
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