RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Effects of cocaine on extrapyramidal and limbic dynorphin systems.
JF Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
JO J Pharmacol Exp Ther
FD American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
SP 938
OP 943
VO 253
IS 3
A1 P L Smiley
A1 M Johnson
A1 L Bush
A1 J W Gibb
A1 G R Hanson
YR 1990
UL http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/253/3/938.abstract
AB The principal central nervous system effects of cocaine are a consequence of its ability to inhibit monoaminergic uptake systems. This agent influences dopamine-related behavior in a manner similar to other sympathomimetics, such as methamphetamine; however, the effect of these two agents on neurochemical dopaminergic parameters are distinct. Several peptidergic neurotransmitter systems, such as the dynorphin pathways, have been shown to be distal to and regulated by the postsynaptic activity of dopaminergic pathways; therefore, we evaluated the response of extrapyramidal and limbic dynorphin A1-17 (Dyn) systems to cocaine by measuring Dyn content in associated structures. Extrapyramidal and limbic dynorphin-like immunoreactivity (DLI) content markedly increased after cocaine treatment. This change appeared to be due primarily to the ability of cocaine to block dopamine re-uptake; consequently, the increase in DLI levels was either totally or partially blocked by coadministration of selective D1 (SCH 23390) and D2 (sulpiride) receptor blockers and multiple doses of the selective dopamine uptake blockers, amfonelic acid and GBR 12909, caused cocaine-like enhancement of extrapyramidal DLI content. Serotonin did not appear to play a major role in mediating the cocaine effects on Dyn systems as multiple doses of the selective serotonin uptake blocker, fluoxetine, did not alter extrapyramidal DLI levels, and depletion of serotonin by pretreatment with parachloroamphetamine did not significantly alter the increases in extrapyramidal Dyn content caused by cocaine administration. Because the behavioral effects of cocaine and methamphetamine are similar, the neurochemical response of Dyn systems to both of these agents is compared and discussed.