Dopaminergic neuronal responses to a nonamphetamine central nervous system stimulant
German, D.C.; Harden, H.; Sanghera, M.K.; Mann, D.; Kiser, R.S.; Miller, H.H.; Shore, P.A.
Journal of Neural Transmission 44(1-2): 39-50
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-9564
Accession: 005191477
The effects of d-amphetamine (d-AMP) and the potent non-amphetamine CNS stimulant, amfonelic acid (AFA), on the firing rate of single midbrain [female rat] dopaminergic (DA) neurons and on neostriatal DA metabolism (dihydroxyphenylacetic acid [DOPAC]) were compared. AFA, like d-AMP, reduced DA neuron firing rate; unlike d-AMP, AFA did not cause a decrease in neostriatal DOPAC content and enhanced that produced by haloperidol (HALO). The AFA-induced decrease in firing rate, like d-AMP, was reversed by the DA receptor blocker HALO but unlike d-AMP, the decrease in firing rate was not prevented by catecholamine synthesis inhibition with .alpha.-methyl-p-tyrosine. Amphetamine and amfonelic acid have identical electrophysiological effects on DA neurons but act by different mechanisms.