20th Annual Student Research Conference
Science
Investigation of Altered Behavioral Responses to Serotonergic Receptor Agonists during Methamphetamine Withdrawal
Kelly C. Rowe*, Erica Alexander, Samuel Edeh, and Kimberly Dodson
Dr. John J. Rutter, Faculty Mentor
Striking similarities exist between the symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal and those of clinical depression. One hypothesis for the link between these phenomena lies with the activities of the CNS neurotransmitter serotonin. Under normal circumstances, release and reuptake of serotonin are balanced so there is a steady level available to the receptors. Methamphetamine introduction interferes with several processes, allowing an excess of serotonin to interact with postsynaptic receptors. If the system attempted to “balance” its output by changing postsynaptic receptor function, this may be revealed following cessation of drug administration, using an in vivo receptor challenge paradigm. Briefly, male rats will be chronically pretreated with either methamphetamine or saline (four days, twice daily); on day 7 and day 14, we will use an indwelling intravenous catheter to administer serotonin receptor activators (aka agonists), using predetermined motor (movement) and hormonal indices as a determinant of response differences between control and experimental animals.
Keywords: serotonin, methamphetamine, withdrawal, receptors, behavior
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 11-3
Location: VH 1408
Time: 8:45 am