Methamphetamine alters expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 mRNA in rat brain.

Methamphetamine, a potent and indirect dopaminergic agonist, also increases glucocorticoid hormone secretion. Glucocorticoid hormones facilitate behavioral effects of methamphetamine in rodents. Several reports suggest that glucocorticoid hormones modulate expression of DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1).