METHAMPHETAMINE STIMULATES THE RELEASE OF NEUROPEPTIDE-Y AND NORADRENALINE FROM THE PARAVENTRICULAR NUCLEUS IN RATS

Effects of methamphetamine (MAP) on the extracellular neuropeptide Y ( NPY) and noradrenaline (NA) levels were examined in the vicinity of th e paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of freely moving rats by means of push -pull perfusion. The NA and NPY levels increased significantly in 30-6 0 min and reached the maximum level in 90-120 min after intraperitonea l administration of MAP. The effects were dose-dependent. The maximum levels were 1.6-fold of the pretreatment level for NPY and 7-fold for NA, respectively, when 5.0 mg/kg b.w. of methamphetamine was administe red. It is concluded that MAP stimulates the releases of paraventricul ar NPY and NA, but the effect is more strong for NA than for NPY.