Repeated administration of methamphetamine damages cells in the somatosensory cortex: Overlap with cytochrome oxidase-rich barrels

Multiple injections of methamphetamine (mAMPH) cause degeneration of neuron s in rat primary somatosensory cortex (Par1). These degenerating cells can be labeled histochemically with the fluorochrome dye, Fluoro-Jade (FJ). Thi s area of Par1 also contains the representation of the mystacial vibrissae. Neurons in this area of Par1 receiving projections derived from the vibris sae are arranged in discrete functional units ("barrels"), which are reveal ed by cytochrome oxidase CCO) histochemistry. Here, rats given mAMPH (four injections of 4 mg/kg, sc, 2-h intervals between injections) showed FJ-posi tive neurons in Par1 that were located predominantly near the perimeter of the CO-dense barrels. Thus, the Par1 neurons damaged by multiple administra tion of mAMPH are located within whisker barrels. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.