Posted by Shawn. T. on August 3, 2003, at 14:15:18
In reply to Re: Neurobiological Mechanisms Involved » Shawn. T., posted by Zenclearer on August 2, 2003, at 15:33:51
I was able to find one study involving humans; 20mg of dextroamphetamine has been shown to increase cortisol levels in male subjects (see http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2501383&dopt=Abstract ). I couldn't find any research involving the relationship between chronic amphetamine use and cortisol levels in humans, but I would assume that the effect remains. Chronic administration of amphetamine to rats has been shown to increase corticosterone (the equivalent of cortisol in rats) levels (see http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8886751&dopt=Abstract and http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9352323&dopt=Abstract ). In children with ADHD, stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate (Ritalin) seem to normalize their cortisol levels which is interesting.
I'm not sure how amphetamine- mediated cortisol release might affect the hippocampus. I do know that corticosterone plays a role in the development of MDMA (ecstacy) induced serotonin terminal degeneration in the hippocampus of rats (see http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2470597&dopt=Abstract ). However, I don't think that that information is applicable to amphetamine. Personally, I don't believe that anyone should take amphetamines without also taking antioxidants; the monoamine nerve terminal damage associated with amphetamines can be prevented by antioxidants. It would be prudent for researchers to look into the problems that might be associated with amphetamine- induced cortisol release in patients without ADHD (and adults with ADHD).
Shawn
poster:Shawn. T.
thread:247363
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030802/msgs/247775.html