Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 4, 2026
09:16
A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
16.0K
Methamphetamine blocks exercise effects on Bdnf and Drd2 gene expression in frontal cortex and striatum
Andrew B Thompson1, Alexandra Stolyarova1, Zhe Ying2
1Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, USA.
Neuropharmacology
|September 4, 2015
Summary
Methamphetamine exposure alters brain pathways related to reward, but voluntary exercise may mitigate some effects. However, prior methamphetamine use can block exercise-induced neurobiological changes in rats.
Area of Science:
- Neurobiology
- Addiction Research
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Drugs of abuse induce neurobiological changes, affecting reward valuation and cost sensitivity.
- D2-expressing medium spiny neurons and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (Bdnf) in the striatum are implicated in behavioral alterations.
- Voluntary aerobic exercise influences protein expression and shows potential as an anti-addiction therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of voluntary exercise on D2 and Bdnf expression in rats exposed to methamphetamine.
- To quantify changes in dopamine D2 receptor (Drd2) and Bdnf expression following methamphetamine exposure and exercise.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-four rats received escalating doses of methamphetamine or saline for two weeks.
- Post-treatment, rats were either sacrificed, housed in standard cages, or given access to a running wheel for six weeks.
- Drd2 and Bdnf mRNA levels were assessed using RT-qPCR; protein levels of D2 and phosphorylated TrkB receptor were measured via western blot.
Main Results:
- Methamphetamine-treated rats ran significantly farther than saline-treated rats, indicating increased reinforcement value of running.
- Methamphetamine and exercise independently impacted Drd2 and Bdnf mRNA levels.
- Pre-exposure to methamphetamine blocked exercise-induced changes in Drd2 and Bdnf expression seen in saline-treated rats.
- D2 and Bdnf protein levels increased immediately after methamphetamine but returned to baseline after six weeks, irrespective of exercise.
Conclusions:
- Methamphetamine exposure enhances the reinforcing properties of voluntary exercise.
- While exercise and methamphetamine independently affect striatal gene expression, prior methamphetamine exposure can prevent exercise-mediated neurobiological adaptations.
- D2 and Bdnf protein levels normalize over time, suggesting a complex interplay between drug exposure, exercise, and neuroplasticity.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
2.5K
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,...
2.5K
01:25Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
3.0K
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...
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...
3.0K
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
1.2K
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...
1.2K
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
1.3K
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....
1.3K
01:21Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
1.8K
Certain drugs can affect how neurotransmitters called catecholamines, are released or taken back up in the adrenergic neuron. They can have different effects on the body's sympathetic transmission. Reserpine, a natural compound found in the Rauwolfia shrub, blocks a transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which leads to a buildup of catecholamines in the cell and reduces sympathetic transmission. Another drug called guanethidine works in multiple ways, including blocking...
1.8K
01:29Stimulants
1.3K
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...
1.3K