Alpha-methyltyrosine attenuates and reserpine increases methamphetamine-induced neuronal changes

Brain Res. 1983 Jul 4;270(2):285-8. doi: 10.1016/0006-8993(83)90602-9.

Abstract

The repeated administration of methamphetamine to rats has been shown to cause a long-lasting depletion of dopamine in various brain regions. In the first study, the effects of pretreatment with alphamethyltyrosine (AMT) or reserpine on the long-lasting methamphetamine-induced dopamine depletion were examined. In the second study, the effects of AMT and reserpine on central dopamine levels were measured in rats previously treated with methamphetamine. Pretreatment with AMT attenuated the long-lasting dopamine depletion induced by methamphetamine, whereas, pretreatment with reserpine increased the depletion. The acute effects of AMT and reserpine on brain dopamine were not altered when administered two weeks after the last methamphetamine injection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caudate Nucleus / analysis
  • Caudate Nucleus / drug effects*
  • Dopamine / analysis*
  • Drug Interactions
  • Male
  • Methamphetamine / administration & dosage*
  • Methyltyrosines / administration & dosage*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Reserpine / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Methyltyrosines
  • Methamphetamine
  • alpha-methyltyrosine methyl ester
  • Reserpine
  • Dopamine