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Updated: Oct 6, 2026
Comprehensive Profiling of Dopamine Regulation in Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area
Published on: August 10, 2012
l-Menthol increases extracellular dopamine and c-Fos-like immunoreactivity in the dorsal striatum, and promotes
Toyoshi Umezu1, Tomoharu Sano1, Junko Hayashi1
1Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
Abstract:
Similar to psychostimulants, the peripheral administration of menthol promotes mouse motor activity, and the neurotransmitter dopamine has been suggested to be involved in this effect. The present study aimed to elucidate the effects of l-menthol on parts of the central nervous system that are involved in motor effects. The subcutaneous administration of l-menthol significantly increased the number of c-Fos-like immunoreactive nuclei in the dorsal striatum of the mice, and motor activity was promoted. It also increased the extracellular dopamine level in the dorsal striatum of the mice. These observations indicated that after subcutaneous administration, l-menthol enhances dopamine-mediated neurotransmission, and activates neuronal activity in the dorsal striatum, thereby promoting motor activity in mice.
Insights
Menthol boosts mouse motor activity by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This study shows l-menthol activates neurons in the dorsal striatum, enhancing dopamine neurotransmission and promoting movement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Peripheral administration of menthol is known to promote motor activity in mice.
- Dopamine neurotransmission is a suspected mechanism underlying menthol's motor-promoting effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of l-menthol on central nervous system components related to motor control.
- To elucidate the specific neural pathways and neurotransmitter systems involved in l-menthol-induced motor activity.
Main Methods:
- Subcutaneous administration of l-menthol to mice.
- Quantification of c-Fos-like immunoreactive nuclei in the dorsal striatum as a marker of neuronal activity.
- Measurement of extracellular dopamine levels in the dorsal striatum.
Main Results:
- Subcutaneous l-menthol administration significantly increased neuronal activity in the dorsal striatum, indicated by elevated c-Fos expression.
- Motor activity in mice was significantly promoted following l-menthol administration.
- Extracellular dopamine levels in the dorsal striatum were increased by l-menthol.
Conclusions:
- L-menthol enhances dopamine-mediated neurotransmission in the dorsal striatum.
- L-menthol activates neuronal activity within the dorsal striatum.
- These central nervous system effects of l-menthol contribute to the promotion of motor activity in mice.
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