Enhanced AP-1 binding in brain induced by D1 and D2 agonists in methamphetamine-sensitized rats

The activator protein-1 (AP-1) binding activities induced by a separate challenge with SKF38393 and quinpirole after 1 weeks' abstinence from chronic methamphetamine (4 mg/kg/day, 14 days) were increased significantly in the striatum, nucleus accumbens and cingulate cortex compared with the saline-treated controls. Quinpirole-, but not SKF38393-induced AP-1 binding activities were still significantly higher after a 4-week abstinence period in the chronic methamphetamine group than in the chronic saline control group. Downward sniffing, which occurred following a quinpirole-challenge, was significantly intensified after both a 1 and 4 weeks' abstinence from chronic methamphetamine. These results indicate that chronic administration of methamphetamine induces alterations of the interactions of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors which are reflected as enhanced AP-1 binding activities.