Effect of rhynchophylline on central neurotransmitter levels in amphetamine-induced conditioned place preference rat brain.
The effects of rhynchophylline on expression of amphetamine reward using a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm and central neurotransmitter levels in rat brain was investigated. Rats were injected with amphetamine (2 mg/kg, per day for 4 consecutive days) and treated with rhynchophylline (60 mg/kg, per day for the later 3 days). Control rats were administered with rhynchophylline (60 mg/kg) instead of amphetamine to evaluate whether rhynchophylline by itself produced CPP. Glutamic acid, γ-aminobutyric acid, endorphin, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine contents were examined by encephalofluogram technology. Rhynchophylline reversed the expression of amphetamine-induced CPP and itself did not produce a CPP. Glutamic acid, dopamine, and norepinephrine contents in amphetamine-CPP rat brain were significantly higher; while γ-aminobutyric acid, endorphin, and acetylcholine contents were significantly lower than those of control rats. Rhynchophylline reversed those central neurotransmitter levels induced by amphetamine to control levels; rhynchophylline by itself had no effect on central neurotransmitter in control rats. These findings show that rhynchophylline reverses the expression of amphetamine-induced rewarding effect which is partly mediated by regulation of central neurotransmitter levels in the rat brain.
Zhou
Ji-Yin
JY
Base for Drug Clinical Trial, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, PR China.
Mo
Zhi-Xian
ZX
Zhou
Shi-Wen
SW
D000661:Amphetamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D003216:Conditioning, Operant / Q000187:drug effects*; D026121:Indole Alkaloids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000078183:Oxindoles; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012201:Reward; D032070:Uncaria / Q000737:chemistry*
D026121:Indole Alkaloids; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D000078183:Oxindoles; D010936:Plant Extracts; C052714:rhyncophylline; D000661:Amphetamine