Current understanding of methamphetamine-associated dopaminergic neurodegeneration and psychotoxic behaviors

Eun Joo Shin, Duy Khanh Dang, The Vinh Tran, Hai Quyen Tran, Ji Hoon Jeong, Seung Yeol Nah, Choon Gon Jang, Kiyofumi Yamada, Toshitaka Nabeshima, Hyoung Chun Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

82 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Clinical and preclinical studies have indicated that chronic methamphetamine (MA) use is associated with extensive neurodegeneration, psychosis, and cognitive impairment. Evidence from animal models has suggested a considerable role of excess dopamine or glutamate, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis in MA-induced neurotoxicity, and that protein kinase Cδ might mediate the interaction among these factors. In addition, the relatively long-lasting and recurrent nature of MA psychosis has been reproduced in animals treated with various dosing regimens of MA, which have shown behavioral sensitization, sociability deficits, and impaired prepulse inhibition. Genetic predisposition as well as dopaminergic and glutamatergic alterations might be important in the development of MA psychosis. Neuroimaging studies have identified functional and morphological changes related to the cognitive dysfunction shown in chronic MA users. Failure in the task-evoked phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase likely underlies MA-induced memory impairment. Recent progress has suggested certain roles of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the psychosis and cognitive deficits induced by repeated low doses of MA. This review provides a comprehensive description of pertinent findings from human and animal studies, with an emphasis on the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms of MA neuropsychotoxicity and its relevance to Parkinson’s disease or schizophrenia.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)403-428
Number of pages26
JournalArchives of Pharmacal Research
Volume40
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01-04-2017
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Drug Discovery
  • Organic Chemistry

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