Repeated resveratrol treatment attenuates methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity and [3H]dopamine overflow in rodents

Resveratrol (3,4′,5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) has been investigated for its potential as a prophylactic against degenerative diseases. It is a sirtulin activator that has recently been shown to regulate dopaminergic systems that contribute to the behavioral effects of methamphetamine and cocaine. The present study examined the impact of resveratrol on stimulant neuropsychopharmacology in rodents. Acute resveratrol treatment (20-40 mg/kg) was ineffective to alter methamphetamine (0.5 mg/kg)-induced hyperactivity in mice. Rodents received resveratrol once-daily for seven days to determine the effect of repeated polyphenolic treatment. Repeated resveratrol treatment (1-20 mg/kg) decreased methamphetamine (0.5 mg/kg)-induced hyperactivity in mice. Methamphetamine's (0.1-60 μM) efficacy to evoke [3H]overflow from rat striatal slices preloaded with [3H]dopamine was also attenuated by repeated resveratrol (1 mg/kg) treatment. Repeated resveratrol treatment (10-20 mg/kg) did not affect cocaine-induced hyperactivity in mice. Overall, these data suggest that resveratrol appears to have metaplastic and prophylactic activity to minimize the effects of methamphetamine to increase locomotor activity and evoke dopamine release. These data encourage future research to further investigate the relationship between polyphenolics and psychostimulant abuse and dependence.