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

Abstract

Adderall is a schedule II drug because of its medicinal use and high abuse potential, which may lead to physiological and psychological dependency. It is an amphetamine salts-based drug that primarily consists of dextro-amphetamine. 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 DAergic neurons in multiple brain regions. It is important to determine whether drugs, which are commonly prescribed during adolescence, have a lasting effect that makes them prone to future drug use and abuse. Sensitization, which is an increased response to a drug, is both an indicator of drug-related plastic brain changes and a hallmark of addiction. We hypothesize that adolescent exposure to AMPH will lead to cross-sensitization to methamphetamine (METH) in adult C57Bl/6J male and female mice. We tested the effects of chronic adolescent drug exposures upon subsequent adult drug challenges using an open field chamber to assess a number of motor responses indicative of behavioral sensitization and found support for long-lasting cross-sensitization. Faculty Advisers: Steven Lloyd and Ryan Shanks