Elsevier

Brain Research

Volume 516, Issue 1, 14 May 1990, Pages 132-136
Brain Research

Short communication
Amphetamine lowers extracellular GABA concentration in the ventral pallidum

https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-8993(90)90907-SGet rights and content

Abstract

In vivo dialysis was performed in the ventral pallidum of the conscious rat, and extracellular levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) measured. Forty minutes following peripheral administration of amphetamine (2.0 mg/kg, s.c.) the extracellular concentration of GABA was significantly reduced, in parallel with a significant elevation in motor activity. These data indicate that a decline in GABA transmission in the ventral pallidum may be important in the initiation of amphetamine-induced motor activity.

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    This research was supported in part by USPHS Grants MH-40817 and DA-03906.

    We would like to thank Yonas Habte for his care in making the dialysis probes, and Jenny Baylon for her assistance in preparing the manuscript.

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