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Methamphetamine Exposure During Development Causes Lasting Changes to Mesolimbic Dopamine Signaling in Mice
Daniel J Torres1,2, Jordan T Yorgason3, Marilou A Andres4
1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA. djtorr@hawaii.edu.
Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
|June 17, 2021
Summary
Early methamphetamine exposure in mice causes lasting changes to the brain's dopamine system. This developmental exposure leads to hyperactivity and altered dopamine release in adulthood.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Methamphetamine (MA) abuse is a significant public health concern.
- The long-term physiological effects of prenatal MA exposure (PME) on the developing brain are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term consequences of early MA exposure on brain development and function.
- To utilize a mouse model mimicking human third-trimester brain growth spurt.
Main Methods:
- Administered acute MA to mice during post-natal days 4-9.
- Assessed adult mice using Open-Field and Rotarod tests for behavioral changes.
- Measured dopamine (DA) uptake and release in nucleus accumbens slices from exposed and control mice.
Main Results:
- Adult mice exposed to MA neonatally showed hyperactivity but no motor coordination deficits.
- Neonatal MA exposure reduced basal dopamine uptake rates in adult nucleus accumbens.
- Exposed mice exhibited potentiated non-evoked DA release via DA efflux in response to MA.
Conclusions:
- Developmental MA exposure induces persistent physiological alterations in the adult mesolimbic dopamine system.
- These changes impact adult responses to acute MA exposure.
- Findings offer crucial insights into the under-researched area of drug abuse effects on brain development.
