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Neurochemical studies show that a tyrosine-free amino acid mixture depletes brain tyrosine and decreases dopamine synthesis and release. Here, we tested whether such a mixture would reduce the behavioural effects of amphetamine and other psychostimulants. A tyrosine-free amino acid mixture decreased the behavioural activation induced by both D-amphetamine (2 mg/kg s.c.) and cocaine (2 mg/kg s.c.). In contrast, the activation induced by the dopamine agonist, apomorphine (0.75 and 5 mg/kg s.c.), or the 5-hydroxytryptamine releasing agent, p-chloroamphetamine (2 mg/kg s.c.) was not altered. These findings provide behavioural evidence that tyrosine-free amino acid mixtures reduce presynaptic dopamine function in the brain.

Type

Journal article

Journal

Eur J Pharmacol

Publication Date

20/07/2001

Volume

424

Pages

115 - 119

Keywords

Amino Acids, Amphetamine, Animals, Apomorphine, Behavior, Animal, Central Nervous System Stimulants, Cocaine, Dopamine Agonists, Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors, Male, Rats, Rats, Sprague-Dawley, Tyrosine, p-Chloroamphetamine