Effects of methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity on the development of neural circuitry: a hypothesis

Brain Res Brain Res Rev. 2000 Dec;34(3):103-18. doi: 10.1016/s0165-0173(00)00042-4.

Abstract

Exposure of the developing brain to methamphetamine has well-studied biochemical and behavioral consequences. We review: (1) the effects of methamphetamine on mature serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways; (2) the mechanisms of methamphetamine neurotoxicity and (3) the role of serotonergic and dopaminergic signaling in sculpting developing neural circuitry. Consideration of these data suggest the types of neural circuit alterations that may result from exposure of the developing brain to methamphetamine and that may underlie functional defects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / drug effects*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Dopamine / physiology
  • Humans
  • Methamphetamine / toxicity*
  • Models, Neurological*
  • Nerve Net / drug effects*
  • Nerve Net / pathology
  • Nerve Net / physiopathology
  • Neurotoxins / toxicity*
  • Serotonin / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Neurotoxins
  • Serotonin
  • Methamphetamine
  • Dopamine