• DOI:10.1007/s00213-004-2012-6
• Corpus ID: 3116771

Differential effects of amphetamine isomers on dopamine release in the rat striatum and nucleus accumbens core

@article{Glaser2004DifferentialEO,
  title={Differential effects of amphetamine isomers on dopamine release in the rat striatum and nucleus accumbens core},
  author={Paul E. A. Glaser and Theresa C. Thomas and B. Matthew Joyce and Francisco Xavier Castellanos and Greg A. Gerhardt},
  journal={Psychopharmacology},
  year={2004},
  volume={178},
  pages={250-258}
}

• P. Glaser, T. C. Thomas, +2 authors G. Gerhardt
• Published 1 March 2005
• Biology, Psychology
• Psychopharmacology

RationaleCurrent medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include some single isomer compounds [dextroamphetamine (d-amphetamine, dexedrine) and dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)] and some racemic compounds [methylphenidate and mixed-salts amphetamine (Adderall)]. Adderall, which contains approximately 25% l-amphetamine, has been successfully marketed as a first-line medication for ADHD. Although different clinical effects have been observed for d-amphetamine, Adderall, and benzedrine; potential psychopharmacological differences on the level of neurotransmission between d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine have not been well characterized.ObjectivesTo evaluate potential differences in the isomers, we used the technique of high-speed chronoamperometry with Nafion-coated single carbon-fiber microelectrodes to measure amphetamine-induced release of dopamine (DA) in the striatum and nucleus accumbens core of anesthetized male Fischer 344 rats. Amphetamine solutions were locally applied by pressure ejection using micropipettes.ResultsThe presence of l-amphetamine in the d,l-amphetamine solutions did not cause increased release of DA but did change DA release kinetics. The d,l-amphetamine-evoked signals exhibited significantly faster rise times and shorter signal decay times. This difference was also observed in the nucleus accumbens core. When l-amphetamine was locally applied, DA release was not significantly different in amplitude, and it exhibited the same rapid kinetics of d,l-amphetamine.ConclusionsThese data support the hypothesis that amphetamine isomers have different effects on release of DA from nerve endings. It is possible that l-amphetamine may have unique actions on the DA transporter, which is required for the effects of amphetamine on DA release from nerve terminals.