The roles of K-dependent Na/Ca exchanger 2 (NCKX2) in methamphetamine-induced behavioral sensitization and conditioned place preference in mice.

Drug addiction, including methamphetamine (METH) addiction, is a significant public health and social issue. Perturbations in intracellular Ca homeostasis are associated with drug addiction. K-dependent Na/Ca exchanger 2 (NCKX2) is located on neuronal cell membranes and constitutes a Ca clearance mechanism, with key roles in synaptic plasticity.

Mechanisms underlying microRNA-222-3p modulation of methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference in the nucleus accumbens in mice.

Rationale: MicroRNA (miRNA) control of post-transcription gene expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) has been implicated in methamphetamine (METH) dependence. Conditioned place preference (CPP) is a classical animal procedure that reflects the rewarding effects of addictive drugs. miR-222-3p has been reported to play a key role in various neurological diseases and is strongly associated with alcohol dependence.

D1R/PP2A/p-CaMKIIα signaling in the caudate putamen is involved in acute methamphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion.

Drug addiction is underscored by the transition from experimental use to dependent use of addictive drugs. Acute use of methamphetamine (METH) causes a range of clinical symptoms, including hyperlocomotion. Dopamine D1 receptor (D1R)-mediated negative regulation of phosphorylated calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIα (p-CaMKIIα, threonine [Thr] 286) is involved in the acute effects induced by single METH administration.