The neuroprotective potential of low-dose methamphetamine in preclinical models of stroke and traumatic brain injury.
Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant that was initially synthesized in 1920. Since then it has been used to treat attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), obesity and narcolepsy. However, methamphetamine has also become a major drug of abuse worldwide. Under conditions of abuse, which involve the administration of high repetitive doses, methamphetamine can produce considerable neurotoxic effects. However, recent evidence from our laboratory indicates that low doses of methamphetamine can produce robust neuroprotection when administered within 12h after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rodents. Thus, it appears that methamphetamine under certain circumstances and correct dosing can produce a neuroprotective effect. This review addresses the neuroprotective potential of methamphetamine and focuses on the potential beneficial application for TBI.
Dept. Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, United States.
Thomas
T
Rau
Gwynedd Pharmaceutical Consulting, Gwynedd Valley, PA, United States.
John
J
Ziemniak
Neurosurgery Dept., University at Buffalo, SUNY-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, United States. Electronic address: dpoulsen@ubns.com.
David
D
Poulsen
D000818:Animals; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D020521:Stroke / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D008694:Methamphetamine; D004298:Dopamine
Methamphetamine; Neuroportection; Stroke; Traumatic brain injury