Neurochemical consequences following administration of CNS stimulants to the neonatal rat.
The possible induction of long-lasting catecholamine depletions in discrete brain regions by psychomotor stimulant drugs was examined in neonatal rats. Three agents, methylamphetamine, d-amphetamine, and methylphenidate were administered to groups of rat pups from days 10 to 40 of life. Pups were killed 2 weeks beyond the last drug administration. Catecholamine levels of various brain regions from groups of rats receiving 12.5, 25 or 50 mg/kg/day of each drug were compared with levels of vehicle treated pups. Both methylamphetamine and d-amphetamine at the higher doses induced long-lasting dopamine depletions in the caudate of rat pups. Methylphenidate had no long-term effect on dopamine while norepinephrine levels were not altered by any treatment.
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000378:metabolism*; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000378:metabolism; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats
D002395:Catecholamines; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate; D008694:Methamphetamine; D003913:Dextroamphetamine