OXYGEN RADICALS DIMINISH DOPAMINE TRANSPORTER FUNCTION IN RAT STRIATUM

Incubation of striatal synaptosomes with the oxygen radical generating enzyme, xanthine oxidase, decreased [H-3]dopamine uptake: an effect a ttributable to a decreased V-max. Concurrent incubation with the super oxide radical scavenger, superoxide dismutase, abolished the xanthine oxidase-induced decrease. These results indicate that, like methamphet amine administration in vivo, reactive oxygen species diminish dopamin e transporter function in vitro. The significance of these findings to mechanisms responsible for effects of methamphetamine is discussed. ( C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.