Irregular chronic stress related selective presynaptic adaptation of dopaminergic system in rat striatum: effects of (-)deprenyl and amitriptyline.

Rats were exposed to irregular chronic stress (IRCS, an animal model of depression). Changes in dopamine and serotonin utilization by striata and hippocampi were measured. IRCS did not influence serotonin uptake, serotonin, dopamine, 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid and homovanillic acid levels, while it decreased 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid level and dopamine uptake. This would reflect selective presynaptic adaptation to IRCS. Neither (-)deprenyl (21 X 0.25 mg/kg, s.c.), nor amitriptyline (21 X X 15 mg/kg, i.p.) could prevent the effects of IRCS.