The effects of amphetamine on synaptic plasticity in rat's medial prefrontal cortex

Abstract

Morphometric analysis of medial prefrontal cortex (layer VI) of rats treated daily with amphetamine in a dose of 2.5 mg/kg during 3 weeks was performed on the electron microscopic level. The efficacy of the amphetamine dosage was tested on behavioral observation. Synapses on dendritic shafts and spines were studied. The density of axo-dendritic synapses increase on 74%, while the density of synapses on spine's neck decreased on 53%. Most synaptic parameters measured in axo-dendritic (1) and axo-spinous (2) synapses increased significantly under the influence of 2.5 mg/kg dose of AMPH: area of presynaptic terminal increased on 35% (1) and 21% (2), length of postsynaptic density increased on 13% (1) and 12% (2), area of spine increase on 25%. But the density of synaptic vesicles near the active zone decrease (1-on 16.5%, 2-on 20%).