Limonene inhibits methamphetamine-induced locomotor activity via regulation of 5-HT neuronal function and dopamine release

Phytomedicine. 2014 May 15;21(6):883-7. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2013.12.004. Epub 2014 Jan 22.

Abstract

Methamphetamine is a psychomotor stimulant that produces hyperlocomotion in rodents. Limonene (a cyclic terpene from citrus essential oils) has been reported to induce sedative effects. In this study, we demonstrated that limonene administration significantly inhibited serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)-induced head twitch response in mice. In rats, pretreatment with limonene decreased hyperlocomotion induced by methamphetamine injection. In addition, limonene reversed the increase in dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens of rats given methamphetamine. These results suggest that limonene may inhibit stimulant-induced behavioral changes via regulating dopamine levels and 5-HT receptor function.

Keywords: 5-HT; Dopamine; Drug addiction; Limonene; Methamphetamine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / pharmacology
  • Citrus / chemistry*
  • Cyclohexenes / pharmacology*
  • Dopamine / metabolism*
  • Limonene
  • Male
  • Methamphetamine / pharmacology*
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Motor Activity / drug effects*
  • Nucleus Accumbens / drug effects
  • Nucleus Accumbens / metabolism
  • Oils, Volatile / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptors, Serotonin / metabolism*
  • Serotonergic Neurons / drug effects
  • Serotonin / metabolism*
  • Terpenes / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Cyclohexenes
  • Oils, Volatile
  • Plant Extracts
  • Receptors, Serotonin
  • Terpenes
  • Serotonin
  • Methamphetamine
  • Limonene
  • Dopamine