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Serra M, Simola N, Pollack AE, Costa G. Brain dysfunctions and neurotoxicity induced by psychostimulants in experimental models and humans: an overview of recent findings. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1908-1918. [PMID: 38227515 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that psychostimulants, in addition to having abuse potential, may elicit brain dysfunctions and/or neurotoxic effects. Central toxicity induced by psychostimulants may pose serious health risks since the recreational use of these substances is on the rise among young people and adults. The present review provides an overview of recent research, conducted between 2018 and 2023, focusing on brain dysfunctions and neurotoxic effects elicited in experimental models and humans by amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methylphenidate, caffeine, and nicotine. Detailed elucidation of factors and mechanisms that underlie psychostimulant-induced brain dysfunction and neurotoxicity is crucial for understanding the acute and enduring noxious brain effects that may occur in individuals who use psychostimulants for recreational and/or therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alexia E Pollack
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts-Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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2
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Mechanistic Effects and Use of N-acetylcysteine in Substance Use Disorders. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40473-022-00250-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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3
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Wahl D, Anderson RM, Le Couteur DG. Antiaging Therapies, Cognitive Impairment, and Dementia. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 75:1643-1652. [PMID: 31125402 PMCID: PMC7749193 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glz135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a powerful risk factor for the development of many chronic diseases including dementia. Research based on disease models of dementia have yet to yield effective treatments, therefore it is opportune to consider whether the aging process itself might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment and prevention of dementia. Numerous cellular and molecular pathways have been implicated in the aging process and compounds that target these processes are being developed to slow aging and delay the onset of age-associated conditions. A few particularly promising therapeutic agents have been shown to influence many of the main hallmarks of aging and increase life span in rodents. Here we discuss the evidence that some of these antiaging compounds may beneficially affect brain aging and thereby lower the risk for dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin Wahl
- Charles Perkins Centre.,Aging and Alzheimers Institute, ANZAC Research Institute, Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Rozalyn M Anderson
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin.,Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - David G Le Couteur
- Charles Perkins Centre.,Aging and Alzheimers Institute, ANZAC Research Institute, Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, The University of Sydney, Australia
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4
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Antioxidants as a Potential Target against Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9020176. [PMID: 32098021 PMCID: PMC7070894 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9020176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychostimulants and non-psychostimulants are the medications prescribed for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, several adverse results have been linked with an increased risk of substance use and side effects. The pathophysiology of ADHD is not completely known, although it has been associated with an increase in inflammation and oxidative stress. This review presents an overview of findings following antioxidant treatment for ADHD and describes the potential amelioration of inflammation and oxidative stress using antioxidants that might have a future as multi-target adjuvant therapy in ADHD. The use of antioxidants against inflammation and oxidative conditions is an emerging field in the management of several neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Thus, antioxidants could be promising as an adjuvant ADHD therapy.
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Bashkatova V, Philippu A. Role of nitric oxide in psychostimulant-induced neurotoxicity. AIMS Neurosci 2019; 6:191-203. [PMID: 32341976 PMCID: PMC7179361 DOI: 10.3934/neuroscience.2019.3.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, consumption of psychostimulants has been significantly increased all over the world, while exact mechanisms of neurochemical effects of psychomotor stimulants remained unclear. It is assumed that the neuronal messenger nitric oxide (NO) may be involved in mechanisms of neurotoxicity evoked by psychomotor stimulants. However, possible participation of NO in various pathological states is supported mainly by indirect evidence because of its short half-life in tissues. Aim of this review is to describe the involvement of NO and the contribution of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and acetylcholine (ACH) release in neurotoxic effects of psychostimulant drugs. NO was directly determined in brain structures by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Both NO generation and LPO products as well as release of ACH were increased in brain structures following four injections of amphetamine (AMPH). Pretreatment of rats with the non-selective inhibitor of NO-synthase (NOS) N-nitro-L-arginine or the neuronal NOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole significantly reduced increase of NO generation as well as the rise of ACH release induced by AMPH. Both NOS inhibitors injected prior to AMPH had no effect on enhanced levels of LPO products. Administration of the noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist dizocilpine abolished increase of both NO content and concentration of LPO products induced by of the psychostimulant drug. Dizocilpine also eliminated the influence of AMPH on the ACH release. Moreover, the neurochemical and neurotoxic effects of the psychostimulant drug sydnocarb were compared with those of AMPH. Single injection of AMPH showed a more pronounced increase in NO and TBARS levels than after an equimolar concentration of sydnocarb. The findings demonstrate the crucial role of NO in the development of neurotoxicity elicited by psychostimulants and underline the key role of NOS in AMPH-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bashkatova
- Laboratory of physiology of reinforcement, P.K. Anokhin Institute of Normal Physiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Athineos Philippu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Innsbruck, Austria
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6
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Rodrigues FS, de Zorzi VN, Funghetto MP, Haupental F, Cardoso AS, Marchesan S, Cardoso AM, Schinger MRC, Machado AK, da Cruz IBM, Duarte MMMF, Xavier LL, Furian AF, Oliveira MS, Santos ARS, Royes LFF, Fighera MR. Involvement of the Cholinergic Parameters and Glial Cells in Learning Delay Induced by Glutaric Acid: Protection by N-Acetylcysteine. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:4945-4959. [PMID: 30421167 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1395-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of basal ganglia neurons is a characteristic of glutaric acidemia type I (GA-I), an autosomal recessive inherited neurometabolic disease characterized by deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH) and accumulation of glutaric acid (GA). The affected patients present clinical manifestations such as motor dysfunction and memory impairment followed by extensive striatal neurodegeneration. Knowing that there is relevant striatal dysfunction in GA-I, the purpose of the present study was to verify the performance of young rats chronically injected with GA in working and procedural memory test, and whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) would protect against impairment induced by GA. Rat pups were injected with GA (5 μmol g body weight-1, subcutaneously; twice per day; from the 5th to the 28th day of life) and were supplemented with NAC (150 mg/kg/day; intragastric gavage; for the same period). We found that GA injection caused delay procedural learning; increase of cytokine concentration, oxidative markers, and caspase levels; decrease of antioxidant defenses; and alteration of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Interestingly, we found an increase in glial cell immunoreactivity and decrease in the immunoreactivity of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha 7 (α7nAChR), and neuronal nuclei (NeuN) in the striatum. Indeed, NAC administration improved the cognitive performance, ROS production, neuroinflammation, and caspase activation induced by GA. NAC did not prevent neuronal death, however protected against alterations induced by GA on Iba-1 and GFAP immunoreactivities and AChE activity. Then, this study suggests possible therapeutic strategies that could help in GA-I treatment and the importance of the striatum in the learning tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Silva Rodrigues
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Neuropsiquiatria, Laboratório de Neuropsiquiatria Experimental e Clínico, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
- Centro de Educação Física e Desportos, Departamento de Métodos e Técnicas Desportivas, Laboratório de Bioquímica do Exercício (BIOEX), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Dor e Inflamação, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Viviane Nogueira de Zorzi
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Neuropsiquiatria, Laboratório de Neuropsiquiatria Experimental e Clínico, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
- Centro de Educação Física e Desportos, Departamento de Métodos e Técnicas Desportivas, Laboratório de Bioquímica do Exercício (BIOEX), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Marla Parizzi Funghetto
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Neuropsiquiatria, Laboratório de Neuropsiquiatria Experimental e Clínico, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
- Centro de Educação Física e Desportos, Departamento de Métodos e Técnicas Desportivas, Laboratório de Bioquímica do Exercício (BIOEX), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Haupental
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Neuropsiquiatria, Laboratório de Neuropsiquiatria Experimental e Clínico, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
- Centro de Educação Física e Desportos, Departamento de Métodos e Técnicas Desportivas, Laboratório de Bioquímica do Exercício (BIOEX), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Alexandra Seide Cardoso
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Neuropsiquiatria, Laboratório de Neuropsiquiatria Experimental e Clínico, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
- Centro de Educação Física e Desportos, Departamento de Métodos e Técnicas Desportivas, Laboratório de Bioquímica do Exercício (BIOEX), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Sara Marchesan
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Andréia M Cardoso
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Rosa C Schinger
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Alencar Kolinski Machado
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Ivana Beatrice Mânica da Cruz
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Marta Maria Medeiros Frescura Duarte
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Léder L Xavier
- Faculdade de Biociências, Laboratório Central de Microscopia e Microanálise, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológica, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Flavia Furian
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Mauro Schneider Oliveira
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Adair Roberto Soares Santos
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Dor e Inflamação, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Luiz Fernando Freire Royes
- Centro de Educação Física e Desportos, Departamento de Métodos e Técnicas Desportivas, Laboratório de Bioquímica do Exercício (BIOEX), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Michele Rechia Fighera
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Neuropsiquiatria, Laboratório de Neuropsiquiatria Experimental e Clínico, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil.
- Centro de Educação Física e Desportos, Departamento de Métodos e Técnicas Desportivas, Laboratório de Bioquímica do Exercício (BIOEX), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil.
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil.
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil.
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Herrmann AP, Andrejew R, Benvenutti R, Gama CS, Elisabetsky E. Effects of N-acetylcysteine on amphetamine-induced sensitization in mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 40:169-173. [PMID: 29236922 PMCID: PMC6900759 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2017-2337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is beneficial in psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia exhibit mesolimbic dopamine hyperfunction consequent to an endogenous sensitization process. This sensitization can be modeled in rodents by repeated exposure to psychostimulants, provoking an enduring amplified response at subsequent exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of NAC on amphetamine sensitization in mice. Methods: D-amphetamine was administered to C57BL/6 mice three times a week for 3 weeks; the dose was increased weekly from 1 to 3 mg/kg. NAC (60 mg/kg) or saline was administered intraperitoneally before saline or amphetamine during the second and third weeks. After a 4-week washout period, latent inhibition (LI) and the locomotor response to amphetamine 2 mg/kg were assessed. Results: Sensitization disrupted LI and amplified the locomotor response; NAC disrupted LI in control mice. In sensitized animals, NAC attenuated the enhanced locomotion but failed to prevent LI disruption. Conclusion: NAC warrants consideration as a candidate for early intervention in ultra-high risk subjects due to its safety profile and the relevance of its mechanism of action. Supplementing this proposition, we report that NAC attenuates sensitization-induced locomotor enhancement in mice. The finding that NAC disrupted LI incites a cautionary note and requires clarification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P Herrmann
- Grupo de Estudos Biológicos e Clínicos em Patologias Humanas, Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul (UFFS), Chapecó, SC, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Roberta Andrejew
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Clarissa S Gama
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Elaine Elisabetsky
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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8
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Clinical trials of N-acetylcysteine in psychiatry and neurology: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 55:294-321. [PMID: 25957927 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 269] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is recognized for its role in acetaminophen overdose and as a mucolytic. Over the past decade, there has been growing evidence for the use of NAC in treating psychiatric and neurological disorders, considering its role in attenuating pathophysiological processes associated with these disorders, including oxidative stress, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation and glutamate and dopamine dysregulation. In this systematic review we find favorable evidence for the use of NAC in several psychiatric and neurological disorders, particularly autism, Alzheimer's disease, cocaine and cannabis addiction, bipolar disorder, depression, trichotillomania, nail biting, skin picking, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, drug-induced neuropathy and progressive myoclonic epilepsy. Disorders such as anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and mild traumatic brain injury have preliminary evidence and require larger confirmatory studies while current evidence does not support the use of NAC in gambling, methamphetamine and nicotine addictions and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Overall, NAC treatment appears to be safe and tolerable. Further well designed, larger controlled trials are needed for specific psychiatric and neurological disorders where the evidence is favorable.
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9
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Nogueira T, da Costa Araújo S, Carvalho F, Pereira F, Fernandes E, Bastos M, Costa V, Capela J. Modeling chronic brain exposure to amphetamines using primary rat neuronal cortical cultures. Neuroscience 2014; 277:417-34. [PMID: 25047998 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Protein phosphatases but not reactive oxygen species play functional role in acute amphetamine-mediated dopamine release. Cell Biochem Biophys 2014; 66:831-41. [PMID: 23625176 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-013-9608-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Drug abuse-induced neurodegeneration can be triggered by elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Involvement of oxidative stress in acute amphetamine (AMPH)-mediated dopamine (DA) release, however, has not been completely understood yet. In order to elucidate the dopaminergic response of PC12 cells to a single dose of 10 μM AMPH, ROS production was measured as related to the extracellular DA level. Due to the spontaneous oxidation of peroxide-sensitive fluorophore 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) to 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF), the increase in fluorescence could not be unambiguously attributed to AMPH-triggered ROS production. Based on Amplex Red fluorescence, no ROS production was detected after acute AMPH application. Our data strongly suggest that ROS development was not the main triggering factor for immediate DA release after acute AMPH treatment. On the other hand, AMPH-induced elevation of DA levels in rat brain striatal slices was quenched by the water soluble antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) at 10 mM. In this study, we also investigated the contribution of protein phosphatases to the AMPH-induced rat brain striatal dopaminergic response. The experimental protocol, double AMPH challenge was applied for screening the effect of NAC and cantharidin on AMPH-mediated DA release. Here we show that AMPH-mediated DA release increased nearly twofold in striatal rat brain slices pretreated for 30 min with 1000 μM cantharidin, a selective PP1 and PP2A inhibitor. These findings prove the lack of ROS inhibitory action on protein phosphatase activity in acute AMPH-mediated DA efflux.
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11
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Ledesma JC, Font L, Aragon CMG. The H2O2 scavenger ebselen decreases ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation in mice. Drug Alcohol Depend 2012; 124:42-9. [PMID: 22261181 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Revised: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the brain, the enzyme catalase by reacting with H(2)O(2) forms Compound I (catalase-H(2)O(2) system), which is the main system of central ethanol metabolism to acetaldehyde. Previous research has demonstrated that acetaldehyde derived from central-ethanol metabolism mediates some of the psychopharmacological effects produced by ethanol. Manipulations that modulate central catalase activity or sequester acetaldehyde after ethanol administration modify the stimulant effects induced by ethanol in mice. However, the role of H(2)O(2) in the behavioral effects caused by ethanol has not been clearly addressed. The present study investigated the effects of ebselen, an H(2)O(2) scavenger, on ethanol-induced locomotion. METHODS Swiss RjOrl mice were pre-treated with ebselen (0-50mg/kg) intraperitoneally (IP) prior to administration of ethanol (0-3.75g/kg; IP). In another experiment, animals were pre-treated with ebselen (0 or 25mg/kg; IP) before caffeine (15mg/kg; IP), amphetamine (2mg/kg; IP) or cocaine (10mg/kg; IP) administration. Following these treatments, animals were placed in an open field to measure their locomotor activity. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of ebselen on the H(2)O(2)-mediated inactivation of brain catalase activity by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (AT). RESULTS Ebselen selectively prevented ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation without altering the baseline activity or the locomotor stimulating effects caused by caffeine, amphetamine and cocaine. Ebselen reduced the ability of AT to inhibit brain catalase activity. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these data suggest that a decline in H(2)O(2) levels might result in a reduction of the ethanol locomotor-stimulating effects, indicating a possible role for H(2)O(2) in some of the psychopharmacological effects produced by ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Ledesma
- Àrea de Psicobiologia, Universitat Jaume I, Avda Sos Baynat, 12071 Castellón, Spain
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12
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Carvalho M, Carmo H, Costa VM, Capela JP, Pontes H, Remião F, Carvalho F, Bastos MDL. Toxicity of amphetamines: an update. Arch Toxicol 2012; 86:1167-231. [PMID: 22392347 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-012-0815-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Amphetamines represent a class of psychotropic compounds, widely abused for their stimulant, euphoric, anorectic, and, in some cases, emphathogenic, entactogenic, and hallucinogenic properties. These compounds derive from the β-phenylethylamine core structure and are kinetically and dynamically characterized by easily crossing the blood-brain barrier, to resist brain biotransformation and to release monoamine neurotransmitters from nerve endings. Although amphetamines are widely acknowledged as synthetic drugs, of which amphetamine, methamphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) are well-known examples, humans have used natural amphetamines for several millenniums, through the consumption of amphetamines produced in plants, namely cathinone (khat), obtained from the plant Catha edulis and ephedrine, obtained from various plants in the genus Ephedra. More recently, a wave of new amphetamines has emerged in the market, mainly constituted of cathinone derivatives, including mephedrone, methylone, methedrone, and buthylone, among others. Although intoxications by amphetamines continue to be common causes of emergency department and hospital admissions, it is frequent to find the sophism that amphetamine derivatives, namely those appearing more recently, are relatively safe. However, human intoxications by these drugs are increasingly being reported, with similar patterns compared to those previously seen with classical amphetamines. That is not surprising, considering the similar structures and mechanisms of action among the different amphetamines, conferring similar toxicokinetic and toxicological profiles to these compounds. The aim of the present review is to give an insight into the pharmacokinetics, general mechanisms of biological and toxicological actions, and the main target organs for the toxicity of amphetamines. Although there is still scarce knowledge from novel amphetamines to draw mechanistic insights, the long-studied classical amphetamines-amphetamine itself, as well as methamphetamine and MDMA, provide plenty of data that may be useful to predict toxicological outcome to improvident abusers and are for that reason the main focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia Carvalho
- REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal
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Ledesma JC, Aragon CMG. α-Lipoic acid, a scavenging agent for H₂O₂, reduces ethanol-stimulated locomotion in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 219:171-80. [PMID: 21769567 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2407-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The main system of central ethanol oxidation is mediated by the enzyme catalase. By reacting with H(2)O(2), brain catalase forms compound I (the catalase-H(2)O(2) system), which is able to oxidize ethanol to acetaldehyde in the brain. Previous studies have demonstrated that pharmacological manipulations of brain catalase activity modulate the stimulant effects of ethanol in mice. However, the role of H(2)O(2) in the behavioral effects of ethanol has not yet been clearly addressed. OBJECTIVES In the present study, we investigated the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (LA), a scavenging agent for H(2)O(2), on ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation. METHODS CD-1 mice were pretreated with LA [0-100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (IP)] 0-60 min prior to administration of ethanol (0-3.75 g/kg, IP). In another experiment, animals were pretreated with LA (0, 25, or 50 mg/kg, IP) 30 min before cocaine (10 mg/kg, IP), amphetamine (2 mg/kg, IP), or caffeine (25 mg/kg, IP). After these treatments the animals were placed in an open-field chamber and their locomotor activity was measured for 20 min. RESULTS LA 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg IP prevented ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation. LA did not affect the locomotor-stimulating effects of cocaine, amphetamine, and caffeine. Additionally, we demonstrated that LA prevents the inactivation of brain catalase by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, thus indicating that H(2)O(2) levels are reduced by LA. CONCLUSIONS These data support the idea that a decrease in cerebral H(2)O(2) production by LA administration inhibits ethanol-stimulated locomotion. This study suggests that the brain catalase-H(2)O(2) system, and by implication centrally formed acetaldehyde, plays a key role in the psychopharmacological effects of ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Ledesma
- Area de Psicobiologia, Universitat Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n, 12071 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
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Aluf Y, Vaya J, Khatib S, Loboda Y, Kizhner S, Finberg JPM. Specific oxidative stress profile associated with partial striatal dopaminergic depletion by 6-hydroxydopamine as assessed by a novel multifunctional marker molecule. Free Radic Res 2010; 44:635-44. [DOI: 10.3109/10715761003692529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Xi ZX, Gardner EL. Hypothesis-driven medication discovery for the treatment of psychostimulant addiction. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 1:303-27. [PMID: 19430578 DOI: 10.2174/1874473710801030303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Psychostimulant abuse is a serious social and health problem, for which no effective treatments currently exist. A number of review articles have described predominantly 'clinic'-based pharmacotherapies for the treatment of psychostimulant addiction, but none have yet been shown to be definitively effective for use in humans. In the present article, we review various 'hypothesis'- or 'mechanism'-based pharmacological agents that have been studied at the preclinical level and evaluate their potential use in the treatment of psychostimulant addiction in humans. These compounds target brain neurotransmitter or neuromodulator systems, including dopamine (DA), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), endocannabinoid, glutamate, opioid and serotonin, which have been shown to be critically involved in drug reward and addiction. For drugs in each category, we first briefly review the role of each neurotransmitter system in psychostimulant actions, and then discuss the mechanistic rationale for each drug's potential anti-addiction efficacy, major findings with each drug in animal models of psychostimulant addiction, abuse liability and potential problems, and future research directions. We conclude that hypothesis-based medication development strategies could significantly promote medication discovery for the effective treatment of psychostimulant addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Xiong Xi
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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16
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Wada S, Tabuchi Y, Kondo T, Cui ZG, Zhao QL, Takasaki I, Salunga TL, Ogawa R, Arai T, Makino K, Furuta I. Gene expression in enhanced apoptosis of human lymphoma U937 cells treated with the combination of different free radical generators and hyperthermia. Free Radic Res 2009; 41:73-81. [PMID: 17164180 DOI: 10.1080/10715760600946432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The effects of various free radicals derived from 6-formylpterin (6-FP), alpha-phenyl-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN) and 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) combined with hyperthermia, on gene expression in similarly enhanced apoptosis of human lymphoma U937 cells were investigated using cDNA microarrays containing approximately 16,600 genes and computational gene expression analysis tools. When the cells were treated for 10 min at 44 degrees C (15% apoptosis level), 39 up-regulated and 3 down-regulated genes were identified. In the up-regulated genes, apoptosis- and unfolded protein response-associated genes were contained. The combined treatment with heat and either chemical enhanced apoptosis level (approximately 30%) and showed a chemical-specific gene expression pattern. Furthermore, the expression levels of selected genes were confirmed by a real-time quantitative PCR. The present results will provide a basis for further understanding the molecular mechanisms in enhancement of heat-induced apoptosis by different intracellular oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigehito Wada
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
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Capela JP, Carmo H, Remião F, Bastos ML, Meisel A, Carvalho F. Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Ecstasy-Induced Neurotoxicity: An Overview. Mol Neurobiol 2009; 39:210-71. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-009-8064-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2008] [Accepted: 02/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Melatonin inhibits amphetamine-induced nitric oxide synthase mRNA overexpression in microglial cell lines. Neurosci Lett 2008; 439:134-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2008] [Revised: 05/07/2008] [Accepted: 05/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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19
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Nguyen V, Bonds DV, Prokai L. Measurement of Hydroxyl-Radical Formation in the Rat Striatum by In Vivo Microdialysis and GC-MS. Chromatographia 2008; 68:s57-s62. [PMID: 19802331 DOI: 10.1365/s10337-008-0703-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
A GC-MS method was developed for measuring hydroxyl-radical capture products of salicylic acid, a common trapping agent for this reactive oxygen species, in samples obtained by in vivo cerebral microdialysis experiments. The assay employed liquid-liquid extraction followed by derivatization of 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, along with 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid added as an internal standard. Due to their simple electron ionization mass spectra featuring [M - 57](+) ions through the loss of tertiary alkyl group from the corresponding molecular ions, tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) derivatives afforded straightforward method development based on selected-ion monitoring. In addition, tandem mass spectrometry probing collision-induced dissociation of [M - 57](+) ions obtained from the isomeric tert-butyldimethylsilyl derivatives revealed characteristic differences in the resultant product-ion spectra. Our work has demonstrated the applicability of GC-MS for the assay of microdialysates for 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid by confirming that local administration of the excitotoxic glutamate into the rat striatum significantly increased in vivo hydroxyl-radical production in this brain region and that subsequent systemic administration of α-phenyl-tert-butylnitrone reversed glutamate-induced oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Nguyen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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20
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Valvassori SS, Petronilho FC, Réus GZ, Steckert AV, Oliveira VBM, Boeck CR, Kapczinski F, Dal-Pizzol F, Quevedo J. Effect of N-acetylcysteine and/or deferoxamine on oxidative stress and hyperactivity in an animal model of mania. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2008; 32:1064-8. [PMID: 18403082 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2008.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2007] [Revised: 02/20/2008] [Accepted: 02/26/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Studies have consistently reported the participation of free radicals in Bipolar Disorder. Administration of d-amphetamine (d-AMPH) is a relevant animal model of mania and it increases oxidative stress in rat brain. Evidences indicate that the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and Deferoxamine (DFX) exert protective effects in the brain. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of NAC, DFX or their combination on AMPH-induced hyperactivity. The protein oxidation levels were analyzed in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. In the first animal model (reversal treatment), adult male Wistar rats received saline or d-AMPH for 14 days, and from the 8th to the 14th day, they were treated with saline, NAC, DFX, or NAC plus DFX. In the second animal model (prevention treatment), rats were pretreated with saline or antioxidant regime, and from the 8th to the 14th day, they also received saline or d-AMPH. In the prefrontal cortex, the protein carbonyls were not affected by the treatment with antioxidants alone but it was increased by treatment with NAC plus DFX. At the same model, NAC plus DFX reversed the protein damage in the hippocampus, but NAC alone increased this damage. In the prevention treatment, it was observed that the protein damage in the prefrontal cortex was prevented by DFX or NAC plus DFX. In the hippocampus, the pretreatment with all antioxidant regime prevented protein damage induced by d-AMPH. At both treatments (reversal or prevention) the antioxidants did not present any effect against d-AMPH-induced hyperactivity. In conclusion, NAC or DFX and the combination of NAC plus DFX reverse and protect against d-AMPH-induced oxidative protein damage. Using these protocols we could not observe affects on locomotion, however this effect varies depending on the brain region and the treatment regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira S Valvassori
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, 88806-000 Criciúma, SC, Brazil
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21
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Modulation of dopamine uptake by nitric oxide in cultured mesencephalic neurons. Brain Res 2008; 1198:27-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.12.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2007] [Revised: 12/11/2007] [Accepted: 12/15/2007] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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22
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Karageorgos N, Patsoukis N, Chroni E, Konstantinou D, Assimakopoulos SF, Georgiou C. Effect of N-acetylcysteine, allopurinol and vitamin E on jaundice-induced brain oxidative stress in rats. Brain Res 2006; 1111:203-12. [PMID: 16884703 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.06.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2006] [Revised: 06/27/2006] [Accepted: 06/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We examined the possible protective effect of certain antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine, allopurinol and vitamin E) against the oxidative stress of brain tissue induced by experimental obstructive jaundice in rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups; group I control, group II sham operated, group III bile duct ligated and groups IV, V, and VI in which the rats, after bile duct ligation, were given every day an intraperitoneal injection with N-acetylcysteine, allopurinol and Vit-E respectively. All rats were sacrificed on the tenth day by exsanguination and the oxidative state in samples from cortex, midbrain and cerebellum was assessed by measuring the thiol redox state and lipid peroxidation quantified by MDA measurements. The main finding was that all three antioxidants decrease lipid peroxidation in the three brain areas. Cysteine levels increased and protein thiol levels were reserved only in the group treated with N-acetylcysteine, whereas oxidized glutathione increased dramatically in the group treated with allopurinol, suggesting that each antioxidant agent had a certain influence profile on the different antioxidant defense systems. The observed effects of the antioxidants in this experimental model could also provide insight into some aspects of jaundice-induced hepatic encephalopathy in humans.
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Frey BN, Valvassori SS, Gomes KM, Martins MR, Dal-Pizzol F, Kapczinski F, Quevedo J. Increased oxidative stress in submitochondrial particles after chronic amphetamine exposure. Brain Res 2006; 1097:224-9. [PMID: 16730669 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.04.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2006] [Revised: 04/12/2006] [Accepted: 04/17/2006] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) production may play a role in the pathophysiology of many neuropsychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SCZ). In addition, there is an emerging body of data indicating that BD and SCZ may be associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. We studied the effects of acute and chronic d-amphetamine on ROS production in submitochondrial particles of rat brain. Male Wistar rats were divided in two experimental groups: acute and chronic treatment. In the acute treatment, rats received one single IP injection of d-amphetamine (1, 2 or 4 mg/kg) or saline (control group). In the chronic treatment, rats received one daily IP injection of d-amphetamine (1, 2 or 4 mg/kg) or saline for 7 days. Locomotor activity was assessed with the open field task, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and superoxide production were measured in submitochondrial particles of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Both acute and chronic amphetamine treatment increased locomotor behavior. Chronic amphetamine exposure induced a 3- to 6-fold increase of TBARS and a 1.5- to 2-fold increase of superoxide production in submitochondrial particles of prefrontal cortex and hippocampus (P < 0.05). No effects on superoxide or TBARS were observed with acute treatment. These findings suggest that amphetamine-induced mitochondrial ROS generation may be a useful model to investigate the hypothesis of altered brain energy metabolism associated with BD and SCZ. Further studies assessing the effects of mood stabilizers and antipsychotics in preventing mitochondrial oxidative stress are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benício N Frey
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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