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Basis of phencyclidine's ability to decrease the synaptosomal accumulation of 3H-catecholamines
European Journal of Pharmacology
|February 1, 1980
Summary
Phencyclidine (PCP) likely hinders norepinephrine uptake in brain synaptosomes. However, PCP may also trigger dopamine release from these same brain cells, impacting dopamine accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Synaptosomes are crucial for neurotransmitter uptake and release.
- Phencyclidine (PCP) is a known psychoactive substance with complex neurochemical effects.
- Understanding PCP's interaction with monoamine transporters is vital for neuroscience research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of phencyclidine (PCP) on the accumulation of norepinephrine and dopamine in specific brain regions.
- To differentiate between PCP's inhibition of neurotransmitter uptake and its potential to induce neurotransmitter release.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of mixed cortical and hypothalamic synaptosomes with 3H-norepinephrine.
- Incubation of striatal synaptosomes with 3H-dopamine.
- Assessment of monoamine accumulation in the presence and absence of phencyclidine (PCP).
Main Results:
- Phencyclidine (PCP) significantly decreased the accumulation of 3H-norepinephrine in cortical and hypothalamic synaptosomes, suggesting blockade of amine uptake.
- A 10 muM concentration of PCP partially reduced 3H-dopamine accumulation in striatal synaptosomes, indicating both uptake inhibition and release of previously stored dopamine.
Conclusions:
- Phencyclidine (PCP) exhibits differential effects on norepinephrine and dopamine transport systems.
- PCP's mechanism involves blocking norepinephrine uptake while also promoting dopamine release from synaptosomes.