The reduction of preprotachykinin mRNA in the methamphetamine-induced behavioral sensitization

Neuropeptides. 1996 Feb;30(1):43-6. doi: 10.1016/s0143-4179(96)90053-0.

Abstract

To study the role of the preprotachykinin A (PPT) mRNA in methamphetamine (MAP)-induced behavioral sensitization, rats were daily injected within MAP (3 or 6 mg/kg, i.p., once a day) or saline for 14 days. Progressive enhancement was observed in MAP-induced stereotyped behavior. After 7 or 14 days of discontinuation of MAP treatment, the rats were decapitated and the brains were prepared for Northern blot analysis using a 32P-labeled oligonucleotide probe. Northern blot analysis revealed that the level of PPT mRNA in the striatum of 3 or 6 mg/kg MAP-treated rats was significantly decreased, compared to that in the saline-treated controls. These findings indicate that PPT mRNA expression plays an important role in MAP-induced long-lasting behavioral sensitization and dopamine hyperactivity.

MeSH terms

  • Actins / biosynthesis
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects*
  • Blotting, Northern
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / pharmacology*
  • Dopamine / physiology
  • Male
  • Methamphetamine / pharmacology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / ultrastructure
  • Oligonucleotide Probes
  • Protein Precursors / biosynthesis*
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Tachykinins / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • Actins
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Oligonucleotide Probes
  • Protein Precursors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Tachykinins
  • preprotachykinin
  • Methamphetamine
  • Dopamine