Abstract

The monoamine vesicular transporter 2 (VMAT-2) has been associated with dopamine (DA) sequestration and protection against neurodegeneration caused by the intracellular oxidation of this monoamine. The data presented herein suggest that methylphenidate treatment enhances the amount of VMAT-2 protein and possibly its activity in the presynaptic cytosol, where it is able to increase the sequestration of DA and likely protect against its instability. In contrast, methamphetamine (METH) has an opposite effect on cytosolic VMAT-2 resulting in degradation of DA terminals. The fact that posttreatment of methylphenidate after a neurotoxic regimen of METH protects against resulting loss of DA parameters suggests that treatment with methylphenidate, or other DA transporter blockers, may be protective against degenerative disorders of DA pathways, such as Parkinson's disease.

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.