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In vivo microdialysis in awake, freely moving rats demonstrates HIV‐1 Tat‐induced alterations in dopamine transmission
Author(s) -
Ferris Mark J.,
FrederickDuus Danielle,
Fadel Jim,
Mactutus Charles F.,
Booze Rosemarie M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
synapse
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.809
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1098-2396
pISSN - 0887-4476
DOI - 10.1002/syn.20594
Subject(s) - microdialysis , in vivo , dopamine , neuroscience , neurotoxicity , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , neurodegeneration , medicine , dementia , pharmacology , local field potential , psychology , biology , disease , immunology , toxicity , microbiology and biotechnology
Individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may develop neuropsychological impairment, and a modest percentage may progress to HIV‐associated dementia (HAD). Research using human and nonhuman, in vitro and in vivo models, demonstrates that subcortical dopamine (DA) systems may be particularly vulnerable to HIV‐induced neurodegeneration. The goal of the current investigation is to provide an understanding of the extent to which the HIV‐1 protein Tat induces alterations in striatal DA transmission using in vivo brain microdialysis in awake, freely moving rats. The current study was designed to investigate Tat‐induced neuronal dysfunction between 24‐h and 48‐h post‐Tat administration, and demonstrates a reduction in evoked DA for the Tat‐treated group relative to vehicle‐treated group at 24 and 48 h. The Tat‐induced reduction of DA overflow by 24 h suggests dysfunction of nerve terminals, and a compromised DA system in Tat‐treated animals. Furthermore, the current study provides direct support for HIV‐associated decline of DA function at a systemic level, helping to characterize the functional outcome of the relatively large amount of research on the molecular and behavioral levels of HIV‐induced neurotoxicity. This initial study may provide additional characteristics of Tat‐induced neuronal dysfunction to inform research on therapeutic intervention, and it provides a springboard for future in vivo research currently needed in the field. Synapse 63:181–185, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.