title: Methamphetamine and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
abstract: Psychostimulants such as methamphetamine (MA) induce significant alterations in the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. These changes in HPA axis function are associated with altered stress-related behaviors and might contribute to addictive processes such as relapse. In this mini-review we discuss acute and chronic effects of MA (adult and developmental exposure) on the HPA axis, including effects on HPA axis associated genes/proteins, brain regions, and behaviors such as anxiety and depression. A better understanding of the mechanisms through which MA affects the HPA axis may lead to more effective treatment strategies for MA addiction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University at Albany Albany, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Damian G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Zuloaga
authors.forename: Jason S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Jacobskind
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University at Albany Albany, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Jason S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Jacosbskind
authors.affiliation: Departments of Behavioral Neuroscience, Neurology, and Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University Portland Portland, OR, USA ; Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University Portland Portland, OR, USA.
authors.forename: Jacob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Raber
keywords: HPA axis; anxiety; glucocorticoids; methamphetamine; stress; substance abuse