Contribution of analog signaling to neurotransmitter interactions and behavior: Role of transporter ‐mediated nonquantal dopamine release

We show that DA released by MDMA or β-PEA via the reverse operation of the DA transporter (DAT) ––a mechanism not coupled to axonal firing––is able to affect local cholinergic transmission in the striatum by a nonsynaptic mechanism. DA of cytoplasmic origin, released by DAT reversal, influences distinct elements of social beh avior induced by MDMA as shown by the in vivo effects of selective DAT inhibition on passive social behavior induced by MDMA, while other components of the MDMA-induced social behavior, such as reduced social play was not changed, highlighting DA-mediated-specific social effects. Our findings demons trate an example for the in vivo role of nonquantal DA release through transporter reversal. AbstractNeuronal networks cause changes in behaviorally important information processing through the vesicular release of neurotransmitters governed by the rate and timing of action potentials (APs). Herein, we provide evidence that dopamine (DA), nonquantally released from the cytoplasm, may exert similar effects in vivo. In mouse slice preparations, (+/ −)-3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA, or ecstasy) and β-phenylethylamine (β-PEA)-induced DA release in the striatum and nucleus accumbens (NAc), two regions of the brain involved in reward-driven and social behavior and inhibited the axonal stimulation-induced release of tritiated acetylc holine ([3H]ACh) in the striatum. The DA transporter (DAT) inhibitor (GBR-12909) prevented MDMA and β-PEA fro...
Source: Physiological Reports - Category: Physiology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research