Background
Positron emission tomography (PET) studies of methamphetamine (METH) abusers suggest
that psychotic symptoms of METH abusers may be attributable to the reduction of dopamine
transporters (DAT) in the human brain. However, there are currently no particular
pharmacological treatments for the wide range of symptoms associated with METH abuse.
Methods
Using a PET study in conscious monkeys, we investigated whether the second generation
antibiotic minocycline could protect against the reduction of DAT in monkeys treated
with METH (2 mg/kg × 3, 3-hour intervals).
Results
Pretreatment and subsequent administration of minocycline significantly attenuated
the reduction of DAT in the striatum of monkeys treated with METH. Furthermore, posttreatment
and subsequent administration of minocycline also significantly attenuated the reduction
of DAT. In contrast, repeated administration of minocycline alone did not alter the
density of DAT in the striatum of monkeys treated with METH.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that minocycline protects against METH-induced neurotoxicity
in the monkey brain. Therefore, minocycline is likely to be a promising therapeutic
agent for the treatment of several symptoms associated with METH use in humans.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 24, 2006
Accepted:
March 8,
2006
Received in revised form:
March 7,
2006
Received:
August 17,
2005
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
