Apparent synaptic dopamine deficiency induced by withdrawal from chronic cocaine treatment

Brain Res. 1991 Jan 11;538(2):337-9. doi: 10.1016/0006-8993(91)90451-z.

Abstract

The effects on motor behavior and forebrain dopamine (DA) synaptic function of withdrawal from chronic cocaine treatment were examined with simultaneous activity monitoring and microdialysis in nucleus accumbens. Rats exhibited behavioral sensitization to daily 30 mg/kg i.p. cocaine. After 18 days of daily cocaine and 7 days of withdrawal, dialysate DA and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels were reduced 36-38%, consistent with a synaptic DA deficiency.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Chemistry / drug effects
  • Cocaine / pharmacology*
  • Dialysis
  • Dopamine / deficiency*
  • Dopamine / metabolism
  • Homovanillic Acid / metabolism
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / drug effects
  • Nucleus Accumbens / drug effects
  • Nucleus Accumbens / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / metabolism*
  • Synapses / drug effects
  • Synapses / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cocaine
  • Dopamine
  • Homovanillic Acid