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Apomorphine does not alter amphetamine-induced dopamine release measured in striatal dialysates
R Kuczenski1, D S Segal, L D Manley
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093.
Journal of Neurochemistry
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Amphetamine increases dopamine release independently of neuronal firing or autoreceptor function. This suggests an accelerative exchange-diffusion mechanism drives amphetamine
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Amphetamine is known to increase dopamine release from nerve terminals.
- The precise mechanisms driving this dopamine release are not fully understood.
- Neuronal impulse flow and autoreceptor regulation are potential modulators of amphetamine's effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of impulse flow and autoreceptor function in amphetamine-induced dopamine release.
- To determine if inhibiting dopamine neuronal activity affects amphetamine's impact on dopamine levels.
Main Methods:
- Experiments were conducted on rats using in vivo dialysis in freely moving animals.
- Rats were pretreated with apomorphine to inhibit dopamine neuronal activity.
- Striatal dopamine concentrations and locomotor activity in response to amphetamine were measured.
Main Results:
- Apomorphine alone decreased striatal dopamine concentrations.
- Amphetamine alone increased striatal dopamine concentrations.
- Apomorphine pretreatment did not affect the amphetamine-induced increase in dopamine, but it reduced the locomotor response.
Conclusions:
- Amphetamine-facilitated dopamine release is independent of neuronal firing and autoreceptor regulation.
- These findings support the accelerative exchange-diffusion mechanism for amphetamine-induced dopamine release.
- Apomorphine's inhibitory effects on locomotor activity may involve mechanisms other than direct modulation of dopamine release.