Target: |
Amphetamine (AMPH) is a potent central nervous system (CNS) stimulant with additional peripheral sympathomimetic effects. AMPH has been used clinically in the treatment of obesity, minimal brain dysfunction, narcolepsy, depression and to counter fatigue and are also subjected to widespread abuse. Following the acute administration of the AMPHs there is an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, sweating and tremor. The behavioral manifestations include species specific stereotypic behavior, anorexia, sleeplessness, hyperexcitability, and hyperactivity. AMPH is a indirect agonists, causing the release of newly synthesized norepinephrine and dopamine and blocking the reuptake of these transmitters from the synapse, resulting to an increase in the concentration of catecholamines in the synapse as well as an overall increase in catecholaminergic activity in the brain. |