Acupuncture inhibits reinstatement of intravenous methamphetamine self-administration via gamma aminobutyric acid pathway

Abstract

Methamphetamine is one of the widely abused drugs. Nevertheless, there is little predominant therapy for the abuse. In the previous study, acupuncture had shown to attenuate methamphetamine self-administration behavior, and based on, the present study investigated whether acupuncture inhibits the reinstatement of methamphetamine self-administration. As well, a possible neuronal mechanism was investigated. Male Sprague–Dawley rats weighing 270–300 g were trained to intravenously self-administer methamphetamine (0.1 mg/kg) for 3 weeks. Following training, rats who administered stable amount of methamphetamine underwent extinction period of 1 week. Thereafter, priming injection was performed to induce reinstatement, and acupuncture was given immediately before priming. In the second experiment, the selective antagonists of GABAA and GABAB receptors were treated prior to acupuncture to investigate a neuronal mechanism of GABAergic pathway. Acupuncture treatment at HT7, but not at the control acupoint LI5, reduced the active lever responses on the reinstatement session, showing that HT7 suppressed craving for methamphetamine induced by reexposure to the drug during abstinence. And, the effects of acupuncture were blocked by the GABA receptors’ antagonists. In addition, HT7 did not influence saline self-administration, indicating that acupuncture effect was selective to the methamphetamine. Results of the present study show that acupuncture at HT7 suppresses reinstatement of methamphetamine self-administration behavior through the GABA receptor system without affecting the normal state. From the results, it may be suggested that acupuncture at HT7 can be a useful option in the treatment of methamphetamine addiction.

Electroacupuncture alleviates spatial memory deficits in METH withdrawal mice by enhancing astrocyte‐mediated glutamate clearance in the dCA1

“…In METH addicts, EA treatments at acupoints of Jia ji (T5, L2), Nei guan (PC6), Shen men (HT7), Zu san li (ST36) and San yin jiao (SP6) could improve the emotional disorders such as anxiety and sleep disturbance 14 . In rodent models, acupuncture at HT7 could suppress the reinstatement of METH self‐administration behaviour by regulating the GABA receptor system 34 . In addition, acupuncture at HT7 could reduce METH‐enhanced locomotor activity via reducing extracellular dopamine release in the NAc 35 and activating neurons in the central amygdala 13 .…”

“…14 In rodent models, acupuncture at HT7 could suppress the reinstatement of METH selfadministration behaviour by regulating the GABA receptor system. 34 In addition, acupuncture at HT7 could reduce METH-enhanced locomotor activity via reducing extracellular dopamine release in the NAc 35 and activating neurons in the central amygdala. 13 However, the role of EA on METH-induced Glu excitatory neurotoxicity and memory deficits remain poorly understood.…”

Understanding Young Taiwanese Consumers’ Acceptance, Sensory Profile, and Drivers of Liking for GABA Oolong Tea Beverages with Cold Infusions

“…GABA contributes to brain activation, increases acetylcholine levels, arouses the parasympathetic nervous system, and promotes the normal functioning of the brain [3]. Many studies on the physiological effects of GABA have highlighted its prominent role in reducing hypertension [4,5], mitigating old age or diabetes-induced depression [6], promoting sleep [7], dispelling the effects of alcohol [8], inducing growth hormone secretion [9], and decreasing the rate of neurodegeneration [10]. A 10% to 15% reduction in blood GABA levels increases one's likelihood of developing mania, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression [5].…”

“…A standard GABA tea contains over 150 mg of GABA in every 100 g of dry tea leaves [12], and this content must be consistent throughout the storage period [5]. The purified GABA has various physiological effects [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Among the various foods that contain GABA, there is the highest content of GABA in GABA tea.…”