Regional distribution of methamphetamine in autopsied brain of chronic human methamphetamine users

We measured levels of methamphetamine and those of its metabolite amphetami ne in 15 autopsied brain regions of 14 human methamphetamine users. Only sl ight regional differences were observed in drug concentrations among the br ain areas. Although, some redistribution of the drugs probably occurred pos tmortem, these data suggest that methamphetamine might not be preferentiall y retained in dopamine-rich brain areas but is heterogenously distributed i n brain of chronic human users of the drug. The possible pharmacological ac tions of methamphetamine in both dopamine-rich and poor brain areas of chro nic drug users need to be considered. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd . All rights reserved.