Abstract

The effects of rhynchophylline on expression of amphetamine reward using a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm and central neurotransmitter levels in rat brain was investigated. Rats were injected with amphetamine (2 mg/kg, per day for 4 consecutive days) and treated with rhynchophylline (60 mg/kg, per day for the later 3 days). Control rats were administered with rhynchophylline (60 mg/kg) instead of amphetamine to evaluate whether rhynchophylline by itself produced CPP. Glutamic acid, γ-aminobutyric acid, endorphin, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine contents were examined by encephalofluogram technology. Rhynchophylline reversed the expression of amphetamine-induced CPP and itself did not produce a CPP. Glutamic acid, dopamine, and norepinephrine contents in amphetamine-CPP rat brain were significantly higher; while γ-aminobutyric acid, endorphin, and acetylcholine contents were significantly lower than those of control rats. Rhynchophylline reversed those central neurotransmitter levels induced by amphetamine to control levels; rhynchophylline by itself had no effect on central neurotransmitter in control rats. These findings show that rhynchophylline reverses the expression of amphetamine-induced rewarding effect which is partly mediated by regulation of central neurotransmitter levels in the rat brain.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.