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Comparison of Effects of L-Dopa, Amphetamine and Apomorphine on Firing Rate of Rat Dopaminergic Neurones

Nature New Biology volume 245, pages 123–125 (1973)Cite this article

Abstract

WE have reported that systemically administered d-amphet-amine selectively depresses the firing rate of dopamine-containing cells in the substantia nigra zona compacta and adjacent ventral tegmental area of the rat midbrain1. d-Amphetamine is believed to act by releasing dopamine and blocking its re-uptake, leading to stimulation of dopamine receptors by increasing the availability of dopamine at postsynaptic receptor sites2–4. The increased receptor stimulation is then thought to initiate neuronal feedback inhibition of dopamine units5. Two other drugs are believed to stimulate dopamine receptors: L-dopa is converted to dopamine by an aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, increasing the amount of dopamine potentially available at receptor sites6–8, while apomorphine seems to stimulate the receptors directly9–11. Because of this alleged ability to stimulate dopamine receptors, it has been predicted that these drugs also slow dopamine cells10.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine and Connecticut Mental Health Center, 34 Park Street, New Haven, Connecticut, 06508

    B. S. BUNNEY, G. K. AGHAJANIAN & R. H. ROTH

Authors
  1. B. S. BUNNEY
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  2. G. K. AGHAJANIAN
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  3. R. H. ROTH
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BUNNEY, B., AGHAJANIAN, G. & ROTH, R. Comparison of Effects of L-Dopa, Amphetamine and Apomorphine on Firing Rate of Rat Dopaminergic Neurones. Nature New Biology 245, 123–125 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/newbio245123a0

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