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Central monoamine dysfunction in diabetes: psychotherapeutic implications: electroanalysis by voltammetry.
1Department of Pharmacology, City University of New York Medical School, NY.
Acta Physiologica Et Pharmacologica Latinoamericana : Organo De La Asociacion Latinoamericana De Ciencias Fisiologicas Y De La Asociacion Latinoamericana De Farmacologia
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Diabetes significantly alters dopamine and serotonin release in rat striatum. Acute diabetes increases both neurotransmitters, while chronic diabetes shows impaired release, suggesting a link to mood changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder with known neurological complications.
- Neurotransmitter systems, particularly dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways in the striatum, are crucial for motor control and mood regulation.
- Alterations in neurotransmitter release may underlie some of the non-motor symptoms observed in diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes and hyperglycemia on dopamine and serotonin release in the rat striatum.
- To examine the impact of L-tryptophan administration on neurotransmitter release in both diabetic and non-diabetic rats.
- To correlate changes in neurotransmitter availability with potential mood alterations in the diabetic state.
Main Methods:
- In vivo voltammetry was employed to measure dopamine and serotonin release in the striatum of rats.
- Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (STZ).
- Hyperglycemia was induced, and L-tryptophan was administered to assess its effects on neurotransmitter release.
Main Results:
- Acute diabetes increased striatal dopamine (67%) and serotonin (62%) release.
- Chronic diabetes showed attenuated increases in dopamine (19%) and a return of serotonin release to basal levels.
- L-tryptophan administration decreased dopamine release and increased serotonin release in non-diabetic rats, but decreased both in long-term diabetic rats.
- Hyperglycemia in non-diabetic rats decreased dopamine release (52%) and increased serotonin release (304%).
Conclusions:
- Untreated diabetes is associated with a progressive impairment of striatal dopamine and serotonin release.
- These neurotransmitter dysregulations may contribute to mood disturbances observed in diabetic individuals.
- The findings highlight the complex interplay between metabolic status and central neurotransmission.