Amphetamine and Dopamine Depletion

Much of this blog involves a critical analysis of
hypotheses regarding the biological basis of behavioral sensitization.

Research on this question has focused on mesotelencephalic DA systems, and suggestions that behavioral sensitization is accompanied by:

(1) an increase in postsynaptic DA receptors;


(2) an increase in DA synthesis; (3) an increase in DA utilization and/or release; and


(4) a decrease in DA autoreceptors

There is strong evidence to support the notion that behavioral sensitization is due to enhanced mesotelencephalic DA release, especially upon re-exposure to the drug. The evidence that this enhancement in DA release is due to autoreceptor subsensitivity