Knockdown of Teneurin-4 in the nucleus accumbens attenuates dopamine release induced by methamphetamine in mice

Abstract

[Background and Aim]

Over the past few decades, global public health issues have arisen due to the production and use of methamphetamine (METH). METH is recognized as a widely distributed psychostimulant with a strong addictive potential that impacts the central nervous system. METH primarily impacts the limbic system by triggering the release of numerous neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key component of the reward system Previous findings from our data revealed several genes associated with METH addiction, including ODZ4, which encodes teneurin4 (Ten4). Ten4 belongs to the subtype of type II transmembrane tenerin proteins, comprising approximately 2800 amino acids, and exhibits significant sequence homology. Genetic studies have indicated a correlation between teneurin proteins and developmental issues, neurological disorders, and drug residence Based on the aforementioned research, it is suggested that Ten4 might play a role in neuronal plasticity and development in the context of drug addiction associated with drug use. Here we investigated the knock-down of Ten4 in NAc was involved in dopamine release from the NAc by METH of mice.