Lobeline effects on tonic and methamphetamine-induced dopamine release.

The mechanisms of interaction between lobeline and the dopamine transporter (DAT) or the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT-2) are not clear. The goal of this study was to elucidate the effects of lobeline on these transporters in a cell system co-expressing the DAT and VMAT-2. Lobeline caused release of [(3)H]dopamine to a similar extent as reserpine (VMAT-2 inhibitor), but was less efficacious than methamphetamine or dopamine. Additionally, lobeline decreased the [(3)H]dopamine-releasing effects of methamphetamine, unlike reserpine which increased release by methamphetamine. These results suggest that lobeline has unique properties at the DAT and VMAT-2 which may make it useful as a pharmacotherapeutic to treat methamphetamine abuse.