Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
09:16
A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Differences between dextroamphetamine and methamphetamine: behavioral changes and oxidative damage in brain of Wistar
Dayane D da-Rosa1, Samira S Valvassori, Amanda V Steckert
1Laboratory of Neurosciences and National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC 88806-000, Brazil.
Journal of Neural Transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996)
|August 23, 2011
Summary
Methamphetamine (m-AMPH) and dextroamphetamine (d-AMPH) show similar behavioral effects in rats. However, m-AMPH causes greater oxidative damage in the brain than d-AMPH, revealing previously unknown neurochemical differences.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Methamphetamine (m-AMPH) and dextroamphetamine (d-AMPH) are psychostimulant drugs with overlapping clinical uses.
- Previous research indicates similar behavioral effects between m-AMPH and d-AMPH.
- The neurotoxic potential and differential impact on oxidative stress remain areas for detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the behavioral potency and neurotoxic effects of m-AMPH and d-AMPH in rats.
- To investigate the differential impact of acute and chronic administration on locomotor activity and oxidative damage in specific brain regions.
Main Methods:
- Adult male Wistar rats received acute or chronic (14-day) intraperitoneal injections of saline, d-AMPH (2 mg/kg), or m-AMPH (0.25-2 mg/kg).
- Locomotor activity was assessed using an open-field apparatus.
- Oxidative damage was quantified by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyls in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, and striatum.
Main Results:
- Both d-AMPH and m-AMPH significantly increased locomotor activity, with no significant difference observed between the two drugs.
- Both drugs elevated lipid and protein damage, but m-AMPH demonstrated greater potency in inducing oxidative damage compared to d-AMPH.
- The extent of oxidative damage varied across different brain regions and was influenced by the administration protocol (acute vs. chronic).
Conclusions:
- d-AMPH and m-AMPH produce comparable behavioral effects, consistent with prior studies.
- m-AMPH induces a greater degree of oxidative damage in the rat brain than d-AMPH, highlighting significant neurochemical distinctions.
- These findings reveal previously unrecognized neurochemical differences between these two amphetamine derivatives, particularly concerning their impact on oxidative stress.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:29Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
Drugs affecting neurotransmitter synthesis can impact the adrenergic neuron and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. For example, α-methyltyrosine and carbidopa target specific enzymes involved in catecholamine synthesis. α-methyltyrosine inhibits the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which converts tyrosine into dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, α-methyltyrosine reduces dopamine production and other catecholamines. Carbidopa, on the other hand, inhibits the enzyme dopa decarboxylase, which converts...
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its effects by...
01:29Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that enhance neural activity and elevate dopamine levels in the brain, leading to their highly addictive nature. These drugs include cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, caffeine, and nicotine, each with distinct mechanisms of action and varied health implications.
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
01:25Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
Indirect-acting adrenergic agonists potentiate the effects of endogenous catecholamines through different mechanisms without directly binding to adrenoceptors.
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...