Alterations in local cerebral glucose utilization induced by phencyclidine.
A D Weissman, M Dam, E D London
Brain research December 1, 1987 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(87)91583-6 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPhencyclidine (PCP) at doses of 0.5 to 10 mg/kg intravenously altered glucose use in 41 of 87 brain regions of rats, with changes ranging from 25% to 270% of control levels. Glucose metabolism increased throughout the limbic system except the habenula, increased in most sensory structures but decreased in specific layers of the somatosensory and auditory cortices and the inferior colliculus, and increased throughout the motor system with a striking columnar pattern in the motor cortex while decreasing in the frontal cortical pole. Effects of 5 mg/kg diminished over time, though eight regions maintained altered metabolism at 180 minutes. The findings suggest PCP activates functional circuits, especially the limbic system, which may underlie its psychotomimetic properties.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Animal study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Rats |
| Dose | 0.5, 1, 5, 10 mg/kg, i.v. |
| Duration | Up to 180 minutes post-injection |
| Key finding | PCP induced widespread changes in brain glucose metabolism, with activation of limbic and motor circuits and mixed effects in sensory regions, providing a physiological basis for its psychotomimetic properties. |
Abstract
The effects of phencyclidine (PCP; 0.5, 1,5, 10 mg/kg, i.v.) on local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) in the rat were studied with the 2-deoxy-D-[1-14C]glucose method. Significant findings were obtained in 41 of 87 brain regions of PCP-treated rats (25-270% of control). Rates of LCGU increased throughout the limbic system, except the habenula. Although LCGU increased in most sensory structures, it decreased in specific layers of the somatosensory and auditory cortices and the inferior colliculus. Evidence was seen for dissociation between LCGU responses of specific thalamic relay areas and their terminal fields in the cortex. Increases in LCGU occurred throughout the motor system, manifesting a striking pattern of columnar activity in the motor cortex. However, LCGU was reduced in the frontal cortical pole. Elevated LCGU was observed in the pontine nuclei and the nuclei and the nucleus solitarius. Effects of 5 mg/kg PCP diminished with time although 8 regions maintained a metabolic alteration at 180 min. PCP induced several behaviors, including stereotypies, which varied with the dose and time after drug administration. The results demonstrate a PCP-induced activation of various functional circuits in the brain, especially the limbic system, and may provide a physiological basis for PCP's psychotomimetic properties.