Intact amphetamine-induced behavioral sensitization in mice with increased or decreased neuronal glutamate transporter SLC1A1/EAAT3

Repeated amphetamine treatment results in locomotor sensitization, a phenomenon that may relate to the development of psychosis and addiction. Evidence suggests that interactions between dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems are involved in amphetamine sensitization. We previously demonstrated that the neuronal excitatory amino acid transporter (Slc1a1/EAAT3) produces bidirectional, expression-dependent effects on the response to acute amphetamine. Here, using mice with decreased or increased expression of EAAT3, we found that chronic alterations in EAAT3 expression do not significantly impact amphetamine-induced locomotor sensitization. Compensation by other glutamate transporters cannot be ruled out in this important neuroadaptive phenomenon.

Automated summary

Repeated amphetamine use leads to locomotor sensitization, which may be related to the development of psychosis and addiction. The interaction between dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems plays a significant role in amphetamine sensitization. However, the impact of chronic alterations in the expression of the excitatory amino acid transporter (EAAT3) on this phenomenon is still uncertain.