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Dopamine efflux during withdrawal from continuous or intermittent cocaine
G R King1, C Kuhn, E H Ellinwood
1Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27707.
Psychopharmacology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Daily cocaine injections increase dopamine release, while continuous use decreases it. These changes in dopamine neurotransmission may explain withdrawal symptoms in human cocaine abusers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Different administration patterns of cocaine lead to distinct behavioral outcomes, including sensitization and tolerance.
- The underlying neurobiological mechanisms, particularly changes in dopamine (DA) neurotransmission, are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if varying temporal patterns of cocaine administration alter the drug's effect on extracellular dopamine levels.
- To correlate changes in dopamine release with observed behavioral effects and potential withdrawal symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Rats received either daily subcutaneous or continuous cocaine injections for 14 days.
- Extracellular dopamine (DA) efflux was measured in caudate-putamen slices following cocaine administration after a 7-day withdrawal period.
- Cocaine-induced DA release was quantified in response to various cocaine concentrations.
Main Results:
- Daily cocaine injections resulted in increased DA efflux compared to saline controls.
- Continuous cocaine administration led to a marked decrease in cocaine-induced DA efflux.
- These findings demonstrate divergent effects of cocaine administration patterns on dopamine neurotransmission.
Conclusions:
- The temporal pattern of cocaine administration significantly alters dopamine release in the brain.
- Altered dopamine neurotransmission may underlie the distinct behavioral effects and withdrawal symptoms associated with different cocaine use patterns in humans.