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Alterations in local cerebral glucose utilization induced by phencyclidine
A D Weissman1, M Dam, E D London
1Addiction Research Center, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224.
Brain Research
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Phencyclidine (PCP) significantly alters brain glucose metabolism, particularly in the limbic and motor systems. These changes in local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) may explain PCP's psychotomimetic effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Brain Imaging
Background:
- Phencyclidine (PCP) is a dissociative anesthetic known for its psychotomimetic effects.
- Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of PCP's actions is crucial for addressing its clinical and abuse potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of various doses of phencyclidine (PCP) on local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) in rats.
- To map the specific brain regions affected by PCP and characterize the nature of these metabolic changes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the 2-deoxy-D-[1-14C]glucose method to measure LCGU in rats following intravenous administration of PCP.
- Analyzed metabolic activity across 87 distinct brain regions.
Main Results:
- PCP significantly altered LCGU in 41 out of 87 brain regions, with changes ranging from 25% to 270% of control values.
- Increased LCGU was observed in the limbic system and motor system, including specific columnar patterns in the motor cortex.
- Decreased LCGU was noted in certain cortical layers, the inferior colliculus, and the frontal cortical pole, suggesting complex regional effects.
Conclusions:
- PCP induces widespread alterations in brain glucose metabolism, highlighting its impact on key functional circuits like the limbic and motor systems.
- The observed metabolic changes provide a potential physiological basis for the psychotomimetic properties associated with phencyclidine use.