Adaptative response of antioxidant enzymes in different areas of rat brain after repeated d-amphetamine administration

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2001

Authors

Carvalho, F (Author) FFUP; Fernandes, E (Author) Other; Remiao, F (Author) FFUP; Gomes Da Silva, J (Author) Other; Tavares, MA (Author) FMUP; Bastos, MD (Author) FFUP

Journal

Title: Addiction Biology

Vol. 6

Pages: 213-221

ISSN: 1355-6215

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 31 Citations

Scopus - 31 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Health sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-TZ5

DOI: 10.1080/13556210120056544

Abstract (EN): d-Amphetamine has been shown to be a potential brain neurotoxic agent, particularly to dopaminergic neurones. Reactive oxygen species indirectly generated by this drug have been indicated as an important factor in the appearance of neuronal damage but little is known about the adaptations of brain antioxidant systems to its chronic administration. In this study, the activities of several antioxidant enzymes in different areas of rat brain were measured after repeated administration of d-amphetamine sulphate (sc, 20 mg/kg/day, for 14 days), namely glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRed), catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). When compared to a pair-fed control group, d-amphetamine treatment enhanced the activity of GST in hypothalamus to 167%, GPx in striatum to 127%, in nucleus accumbens to 192%, and in medial prefrontal cortex to 139%, GRed in hypothalamus to 139%, as well as catalase in medial prefrontal cortex to 153%. However, the same comparison revealed a decrease in the activity of GRed in medial pre-frontal cortex by 35%. Food restriction itself reduced GRed activity by 49% and enhanced catalase activity to 271% in nucleus accumbens. The modifications observed for the measured antioxidant enzymes reveal that oxidative stress probably plays a role in the deleterious effects of this drug in CNS and that, in general, the brain areas studied underwent adaptations which provided protection against the continuous administration of the drug.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9