Amphetamine induces depletion of dopamine and loss of dopamine uptake sites in caudate
Wagner, G.C.; Ricaurte, G.A.; Johanson, C.E.; Schuster, C.R.; Seiden, L.S.
Neurology 30(5): 547-550
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-3878 PMID: 6768005 Document Number: 158791
Long-lasting depletion of dopamine and concomitant loss of dopamine uptake sites follow repeated administration of methylamphetamine to rats. Similar effects were found after similar treatment with d-amphetamine, but not after treatment with methylphenidate . Methylphenidate also failed to produce long-term depletion of regional catecholamine levels in rhesus monkeys. These long-lasting alterations of the dopaminergic system suggest that amphetamines or their metabolites have toxic interactions with dopaminergic neurons, which do not occur with methylphenidate.