title: Protective effects of minocycline on the reduction of dopamine transporters in the striatum after administration of methamphetamine: a positron emission tomography study in conscious monkeys.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Positron emission tomography (PET) studies of methamphetamine (METH) abusers suggest that psychotic symptoms of METH abusers may be attributable to the reduction of dopamine transporters (DAT) in the human brain. However, there are currently no particular pharmacological treatments for the wide range of symptoms associated with METH abuse.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a PET study in conscious monkeys, we investigated whether the second generation antibiotic minocycline could protect against the reduction of DAT in monkeys treated with METH (2 mg/kg x 3, 3-hour intervals).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pretreatment and subsequent administration of minocycline significantly attenuated the reduction of DAT in the striatum of monkeys treated with METH. Furthermore, posttreatment and subsequent administration of minocycline also significantly attenuated the reduction of DAT. In contrast, repeated administration of minocycline alone did not alter the density of DAT in the striatum of monkeys treated with METH.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest that minocycline protects against METH-induced neurotoxicity in the monkey brain. Therefore, minocycline is likely to be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of several symptoms associated with METH use in humans.
authors.affiliation: Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba. hashimoto@faculty.chiba-u.jp
authors.forename: Kenji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hashimoto
authors.forename: Hideo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tsukada
authors.forename: Shingo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nishiyama
authors.forename: Dai
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fukumoto
authors.forename: Takeharu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kakiuchi
authors.forename: Masaomi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Iyo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001931:Brain Mapping; D003243:Consciousness; D003342:Corpus Striatum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects*; D050483:Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008911:Minocycline / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D050483:Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D008694:Methamphetamine; D008911:Minocycline