ISSN:
1435-1463
Keywords:
Dopamine
;
dopaminergic neuron
;
locomotor activity
;
methamphetamine
;
nicotine
;
transgenic mice
;
tyrosine hydroxylase
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary We produced transgenic (Tg) mice carrying the human tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene. To investigate differences in the dopaminergic (DAergic) neuronal activity between the Tg and nTg mice, we examined changes in the locomotor activity induced by methamphetamine (MAP) and nicotine (NIC), which enhances DA release and induces TH enzyme activation, respectively. Surprisingly, however, the intensity of MAP (2.5 mg/kg, once a day for 14 days)-induced hyperlocomotion in the nTg mice was greater than that in the Tg mice, and, furthermore, the Tg mice were less sensitive to subacute administration of NIC (0.5 mg/kg, once a day for 14 days) than the nTg mice. These results suggest that DAergic neuronal function is suppressed in Tg mice to compensate for the overexpression of TH.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01277961
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