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Updated: May 21, 2026
09:16
A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Methamphetamine influences on brain and behavior: unsafe at any speed?
John F Marshall1, Steven J O'Dell
1Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA. jfmarsha@uci.edu
Trends in Neurosciences
|June 20, 2012
Summary
Methamphetamine causes brain damage, affecting memory and executive functions. This review covers brain injury mechanisms, cognitive deficits, and potential treatments for methamphetamine abuse.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuropharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Methamphetamine (MA) causes significant damage to monoamine-containing nerve terminals in the brain.
- Evidence links MA use to cognitive impairments, including deficits in memory and executive function.
- Cellular mechanisms of MA-induced neurotoxicity are well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the cellular mechanisms of MA-induced brain injury.
- To emphasize research on brain changes underlying cognitive deficits from repeated MA exposure.
- To explore novel therapeutic strategies for MA-induced neurotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cellular mechanisms of MA neurotoxicity.
- Analysis of studies investigating cognitive impairments in MA-exposed animals.
- Examination of research on brain alterations associated with repeated MA use.
Main Results:
- MA damages nerve terminals, impacting neurotransmitter systems.
- Repeated MA exposure leads to persistent cognitive deficits.
- Specific brain alterations correlate with observed behavioral impairments.
Conclusions:
- Understanding MA neurotoxicity is crucial for addressing cognitive impairments.
- The slow spontaneous reversibility of MA-induced injury suggests potential for therapeutic interventions.
- Further research into treatment development for MA abuse is warranted.
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