Adolescent Exposure to Dextro-Amphetamine Leads to Cross-Sensitization to Methamphetamine in Adult Mice [Poster]

Abstract

Amphetamine (AMPH) causes an increase of dopamine (DA) levels in the central nervous system by inhibiting monoamine transporter reuptake. Although DA is primarily a neurotransmitter, it is also involved in growth and patterning of the developing brain. Therefore, the use of AMPH during adolescence may cause long-term plastic changes to dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons in multiple brain regions. Adolescent exposure to AMPH will lead to cross-sensitization to methamphetamine (METH) in adult mice. Adolescent mice were given injections of 1 mg/kg d-amp, 10 mg/kg AMPH, or an equal volume of sterile saline for 10 days. Following adolescent exposure and a washout (no drug) period, the mice were given a sub-acute dose of METH or equal volume of sterile saline. Cross-sensitization was measured using an open field chamber (OFC). Analysis revealed both doses during adolescent exposure to AMPH, following a washout period, leads to crosssensitization to METH in adulthood (p< .05). Additional testing will be done to further explore a possible interaction effect. Other experiments in our lab have uncovered a female effect using different psychostimulants in this behavioral model. [Poster]