Increased striatal VMAT2 binding in mice after chronic administration of methcathinone and manganese

• Intravenous use of a psychostimulant drug containing methcathinone (ephedrone) and manganese causes an irreversible extrapyramidal syndrome in drug abusers. We aimed to reproduce the syndrome in mice to evaluate dopaminergic damage. C57/B6 mice were intraperitoneally injected once a day with the study drug or saline for a period of 27 weeks. Motor activity was recorded in an automated motility-box. After 13 and 27 weeks of treatment, ex vivo digital autoradiography was performed using [C-11]dihydrotetrabenazine ([C-11]DTBZ). After 27 weeks of treatment [C-11]DTBZ autoradiography demonstrated a significant increase in the striatum to -cerebellum binding ratio compared with saline treated controls. At the same time point, there was no evident change in motor activity. Increased [C-11]DTBZ binding may indicate vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) function is altered. The lack of extrapyramidal symptoms in animals could be attributed to low dosing regimen or high metabolic rate.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Neurologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Neurology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Manganism

Ephedrone

Methcathinone

VMAT2

PET

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)