title: The Forensic Implications of Amphetamine Intoxication in Cases of Inflicted Blunt Craniocerebral Trauma.
abstract: The effects of D-amphetamine on outcome after blunt craniocerebral trauma are characterized and the potential legal implications discussed. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) was induced under general anesthesia in adult, male Sprague Dawley rats using the impact acceleration model. At 10 min prior to injury, D-amphetamine (5 mg/kg) or saline vehicle was administered subcutaneously; animals were subsequently assessed over a 7-day period post-trauma for motor outcome using a rotarod device. D-amphetamine treated animals performed significantly better (p < 0.001; ANOVA) than vehicle treated controls on their motor assessment, suggesting that D-amphetamine exposure prior to injury either is neuroprotective or enhances motor performance. It is possible, therefore, that an individual who has taken amphetamines may function at a better motor level after head trauma than one who has not been exposed to the drug. Future interpretations of the potential effects of amphetamines on TBI should include this possibility.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Frome Road, Level 3 Medical School North Building, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: Roger W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Byard
authors.affiliation: University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD, 4558, Australia.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Donkin
authors.affiliation: Sansom Institute for Health Research, The University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vink
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D016489:Head Injuries, Closed / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D023421:Models, Animal; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D003913:Dextroamphetamine
keywords: amphetamine toxicity; blunt head trauma; dopamine; flight or fight; forensic science; neuroprotection; traumatic brain injury