A single dose of methamphetamine in neonatal gerbils affects adult prefrontal gamma-aminobutyric acid innervation.

A single non-invasive dose of methamphetamine (50 mg/kg i.p.) was administered to neonatal male gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) aged 14 days. At the age of postnatal day 90, the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) immunoreactive profiles were electron microscopically quantified in the prelimbic area of the prefrontal cortex and compared with those of saline-treated controls. This early solitary drug challenge resulted in adult GABAergic innervation densities which were approximately 40% above those of saline-treated controls.