T. Makisumi et al., CARDIOVASCULAR-RESPONSE TO METHAMPHETAMINE IS MEDIATED BY CORTICOTROPIN-RELEASING FACTOR (CRF) AND ENHANCED BY STRESS, Biogenic amines, 11(3), 1995, pp. 247-253
A biotelemetric system that minimizes experimental stress was used to
monitor the effects of a receptor antagonist for corticotropin-releasi
ng factor (CRE), alpha-helical CRF(9-41), on cardiovascular and behavi
oral response induced by methamphetamine (MAH) in freely moving rats.
The elevations in mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and lo
comotive activity (LA) induced by MAH (1 mg/kg, i.p.) were attenuated
by alpha-helical CRF(9-41) (10 mu g). On the other hand, the increases
in MAP and HR elicited by MAH were enhanced by cage-switch stress. Th
us, it seems that the cardiovascular response to methamphetamine is pa
rtially mediated by CRF and enhanced by psychological stress.