Influence of a carrier transport process on in vivo release and metabolism of dopamine: dependence on extracellular Na+.

In vivo microdialysis was utilized to evaluate the role of extracellular Na+ in regulating dopamine (DA) neurotransmission in the caudate-putamen of halothane-anaesthetized rats. Reduction of the extracellular Na+ concentration by introduction of a perfusion media containing 50mM Na+ (with choline replacement) produced an excessive release of DA that could be effectively blocked by nomifensine and Lu 19-005, potent inhibitors of an amine transport carrier. These results substantiate reports of a carrier-mediated efflux of DA from presynaptic terminals.

In vivo microdialysis as a technique to monitor drug transport: correlation of extracellular cocaine levels and dopamine overflow in the rat brain.

A sensitive and rapid HPLC-UV method for in vivo determinations of cocaine levels in extracellular fluid of specific brain regions and plasma is described. Free drug levels resulting from intravenous administration of cocaine were sampled using in vivo microdialysis probes simultaneously located in the jugular vein, nucleus accumbens, and anteromedial caudate-putamen of halothane-anesthetized rats. In a separate group of animals, the influence of cocaine on extracellular dopamine concentrations in the anteromedial caudate-putamen was also assessed.

Dopamine-like action of nicotine: lack of tolerance and reverse tolerance.

Rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the substantia nigra became briefly sedated and hypothermic after the acute injection of nicotine s.c. (0.