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Ascorbate potentiates amphetamine-induced conditioned place preference and forebrain dopamine release in rats
R C Pierce1, J K Rowlett, G V Rebec
1Psychology Department, Indiana University, Bloomington 47405, USA.
Brain Research
|August 7, 1995
Summary
Vitamin C (ascorbate) enhances the rewarding effects of amphetamine at a specific dose, potentially by boosting dopamine release in the brain. This suggests a link between ascorbate and psychostimulant reinforcement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Neurobiology
Background:
- Ascorbate (Vitamin C) is known to modulate dopamine neurotransmission.
- Amphetamine is a psychostimulant with reinforcing effects mediated by dopamine.
- Understanding interactions between ascorbate and amphetamine is crucial for psychopharmacology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ascorbate on the reinforcing properties of amphetamine.
- To determine if ascorbate influences amphetamine-induced dopamine release.
- To explore the potential role of dopamine modulation in ascorbate's effects on amphetamine.
Main Methods:
- Rats were coadministered ascorbate and amphetamine during conditioned place preference (CPP) acquisition.
- In vitro striatal dopamine release assays were performed.
- Different doses of ascorbate (100 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg) and amphetamine (0.5 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg) were tested.
Main Results:
- 100 mg/kg ascorbate potentiated the CPP induced by 0.5 mg/kg amphetamine, but not 1.0 mg/kg.
- 500 mg/kg ascorbate did not affect amphetamine-induced CPP.
- Ascorbate potentiated amphetamine-induced dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens and neostriatum in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Ascorbate may potentiate amphetamine-induced conditioned place preference.
- This potentiation is likely mediated by ascorbate's ability to enhance amphetamine-induced dopamine release.
- Findings suggest a novel interaction between Vitamin C and psychostimulant reinforcement mechanisms.