Nerve terminal degeneration after a single injection of D-amphetamine in iprindole-treated rats: relation to selective long-lasting dopamine depletion.

A single injection of D-amphetamine has recently been shown to produce long-lasting dopamine (DA) deficits in rats pretreated with iprindole, an agent which interferes with the metabolism of amphetamine and prolongs its half-life. The basis for these persistent DA deficits has not been determined. The present results suggest that amphetamine produces prolonged DA depletions in iprindole-treated rats by destroying DA nerve terminals.