Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026

A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Nucleus accumbens hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels modulate methamphetamine
Dan-Ni Cao1, Rui Song1, Shu-Zhuo Zhang1
1State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China.
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels in the nucleus accumbens are crucial for methamphetamine addiction. Blocking these channels reduces drug reinforcement and motivation, offering potential therapeutic targets for addiction treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Methamphetamine addiction is linked to dopamine dysregulation.
- Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels modulate neuronal activity but their role in addiction is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of brain HCN channels in the neurobiology of methamphetamine addiction.
Main Methods:
- Rats received intracerebroventricular or intra-accumbens injections of the HCN channel blocker ZD7288.
- Methamphetamine self-administration, motivation, and hyperactivity were assessed.
- In vivo microdialysis measured extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens.
Main Results:
- ZD7288 significantly reduced methamphetamine self-administration and motivation.
- HCN channel blockade in the nucleus accumbens showed stronger effects than systemic administration.
- ZD7288 decreased methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity and elevated extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens.
Conclusions:
- HCN channels in the nucleus accumbens play a key role in the reinforcing effects of methamphetamine.
- Targeting HCN channels may be a viable strategy for treating methamphetamine addiction by modulating dopamine neurotransmission.
Related Concept Videos
CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating...
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
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...

