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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Protective and restorative effects of the traditional Chinese medicine Jitai tablet against methamphetamine-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity

Authors: Shasha Xu, Shaoang Tu, Jinlong Gao, Jia Liu, Zhirui Guo, Jinming Zhang, Xingdang Liu, Jianhui Liang, Yiyun Huang, Mei Han

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Methamphetamine (METH) is a psychostimulant with high abuse liability that affects the monoamine neurotransmitter systems, particularly the dopamine system. Currently there are no effective medications for the treatment of METH abuse to restore METH-induced dopaminergic dysfunction. The Jitai tablet (JTT), a commercial traditional Chinese medicinal preparation, has been shown to modulate the dopaminergic function both in heroin addicts and in morphine-dependent rats. The purpose of this study was to investigate, in a rodent model, whether JTT can protect against METH-induced neurotoxicity, and/or restore METH-damaged dopaminergic function.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining and/or autoradiography staining were used to detect tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the substantia nigra, and to examine the levels of dopamine transporter (DAT), dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) and TH levels in the striatum. Using a stereotyped behavior rating scale, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of JTT on METH-induced behavioral sensitization.

Results

Repeated METH administration induced obvious stereotyped behavior and neurotoxicity on the dopaminergic system. Pre-treatment with JTT significantly attenuated METH-induced stereotyped responses, and interdicted METH-induced changes in the levels of DAT, D2R and TH expression. Treatment with JTT after METH administration restored DAT, D2R and TH expression to normal levels.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that JTT protects against METH-induced neurotoxicity and restores the dopaminergic function, and thus might be a potential treatment for the dopaminergic deficits associated with METH abuse.
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Metadata
Title
Protective and restorative effects of the traditional Chinese medicine Jitai tablet against methamphetamine-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity
Authors
Shasha Xu
Shaoang Tu
Jinlong Gao
Jia Liu
Zhirui Guo
Jinming Zhang
Xingdang Liu
Jianhui Liang
Yiyun Huang
Mei Han
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-018-2094-z

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