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Open Access 01-04-2019 | ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Methcathinone and 3-Fluoromethcathinone Stimulate Spontaneous Horizontal Locomotor Activity in Mice and Elevate Extracellular Dopamine and Serotonin Levels in the Mouse Striatum

Authors: Jakub Wojcieszak, Dariusz Andrzejczak, Adam Wojtas, Krystyna Gołembiowska, Jolanta B. Zawilska

Published in: Neurotoxicity Research | Issue 3/2019

Abstract

Methcathinone (MC) and 3-fluoromethcathinone (3-FMC) are well-known members of the synthetic cathinone derivatives, the second most abused group of novel psychoactive substances (NPS). They are considered as methamphetamine-like cathinones, as they elicit their psychostimulatory effects via inhibition of monoamine uptake and enhanced release. The present study examines the effects of MC and 3-FMC on the spontaneous locomotor activity of mice and extracellular levels of dopamine and serotonin in the mouse striatum. Both MC and 3-FMC produced a dose-dependent increase of horizontal locomotor activity, but no significant changes in rearing behavior were observed. The locomotor stimulation induced by MC and 3-FMC is mediated by activation of dopaminergic neurotransmission, as selective D₁-dopamine receptor antagonist, SCH 23390, abolished the effects of both drugs. In line with pharmacological data obtained by previous in vitro studies, MC and 3-FMC produced potent increases of extracellular dopamine and serotonin levels in the mouse striatum. Taken together, results presented within this study confirm previous findings and expand our knowledge on the pharmacology of MC and 3-FMC along with their behavioral effects.

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Title: Methcathinone and 3-Fluoromethcathinone Stimulate Spontaneous Horizontal Locomotor Activity in Mice and Elevate Extracellular Dopamine and Serotonin Levels in the Mouse Striatum
Authors: Jakub Wojcieszak
Dariusz Andrzejczak
Adam Wojtas
Krystyna Gołembiowska
Jolanta B. Zawilska
Publication date: 01-04-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Neurotoxicity Research / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 1029-8428
Electronic ISSN: 1476-3524
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12640-018-9973-4

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Methcathinone and 3-Fluoromethcathinone Stimulate Spontaneous Horizontal Locomotor Activity in Mice and Elevate Extracellular Dopamine and Serotonin Levels in the Mouse Striatum

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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Abstract

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