EFFECTS OF ANTIPSYCHOTICS, VITAMIN-E, AND MK-801 ON DOPAMINE DYNAMICSIN THE RAT-BRAIN FOLLOWING DISCONTINUATION OF COCAINE

Cocaine, 10 mg/kg, I.P., twice daily, was given to rats for 1 week. At 1 and 4 weeks following discontinuation of cocaine, the initial rate of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) formation was assessed. The initial rate of DOPAC formation was found to be decreased in the front al and cingulate cortices at 1 week, but was only decreased in the fro ntal cortex at 4 weeks. When administered in conjunction with cocaine, haloperidol, clozapine, and vitamin E, but not MK-801, were found to prevent cocaine's effects. In addition to the potential value these fi ndings have for further understanding cocaine abuse, it is proposed th at the alteration in dopamine metabolism produced by cocaine, and the ability of haloperidol, clozapine and vitamin E to decrease cocaine's effects, model some biochemical aspects of schizophrenia. Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.