Role of Reactive Oxygen Species on Chronic Methamphetamine- Induced Dopamine Transmission in the Nucleus Accumbens

Authors

Devin Bradshaw, Brigham Young University
Scott Steffensen, Brigham Young University

Keywords

reactive oxygen species, chronic methamphetamine, dopamine transmission, nucleus accumbens

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Psychology

Abstract

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive substance with many negative effects on the user. These effects include detriments to physical health such as “…extreme weight loss, severe dental problems (“meth mouth”), and skin sores caused by scratching. Methamphetamine use also raises the risk of contracting infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis B and C.” (“DrugFacts: Methamphetamine”, 2014). Negative health effects like this come from long term abuse of methamphetamine due to addiction to the substance. Reducing the cause of the addictive behavior (dopamine (DA) overstimulation causing neuronal damage) can help to prevent these negative effects of METH abuse. As the effects of ROS scavengers on DA release are studied we can more fully understand the relationship between METH addiction and ROS and possibly find a way to counteract and even reverse the negative effects of METH use.

Recommended Citation

Bradshaw, Devin and Steffensen, Scott (2016) "Role of Reactive Oxygen Species on Chronic Methamphetamine- Induced Dopamine Transmission in the Nucleus Accumbens," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2016: Iss. 1, Article 71.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2016/iss1/71