Cathinone affects dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine neurons in vivo as measured by changes in metabolites and synthesis in four forebrain regions in the rat.
Cathinone is an active ingredient in the leaves of the Khat shrub. Cathinone affects behavior, neurochemistry and electrophysiology in a manner similar to the stimulants amphetamine, cocaine and methylphenidate. The present study extended these studies by evaluating the effects of (+/-)cathinone on dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-containing neurons in several regions of the rat brain in vivo. An index of the rate of synthesis of DA and 5-HT in vivo was determined in the nuclei caudatus putamen (CP), accumbens (NA), amygdaloideus centralis (AC), septi lateralis (SL), preopticus pars suprachiasmatica (PSCN) and dorsomedialis (hypothalami; DMN) of male rats (175-225 g) by measuring the concentration of dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) after the administration of NSD 1015 (100 mg/kg, i.p.) an inhibitor of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase. Concentrations of DA, 5-HT and their major metabolites dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), respectively, were analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography coupled to an electrochemical detector. Cathinone decreased levels of DOPAC in a time- and dose-related manner in the caudatus putamen, accumbens, amygdaloideus centralis and septi lateralis with the peak effect occurring 30-60 min after a dose of 6 mg/kg (i.p.). Cathinone had no effect on DOPAC in the preopticus pars suprachiasmatica or dorsomedialis (hypothalami). The drug also decreased the accumulation of DOPA in the caudatus putamen, accumbens, amygdaloideus centralis and septi lateralis, but in the preopticus pars suprachiasmatica and dorsomedialis (hypothalami), there was no effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)[1]References
- Cathinone affects dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine neurons in vivo as measured by changes in metabolites and synthesis in four forebrain regions in the rat. Nielsen, J.A. Neuropharmacology (1985) [Pubmed]
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