Bupropion and desipramine increase dopamine transporter mRNA expression in the ventral tegmental area/substantia nigra of rat brain.

1. Regulation of dopamine transporter (DAT) mRNA was studied in rats treated with the DAT blocker bupropion (BUP; 15 or 30 mg/kg tid x 2d), the norepinephrine transporter blocker desipramine (DMI; 10 mg/kg/d x 2d), or saline. 2. mRNA expression was assessed via in situ hybridization histochemistry. 3. BUP and DMI both increased DAT mRNA expression in the ventral tegmental area/substantia nigra. 4. These findings suggest that DAT mRNA expression in the brain may be regulated by both noradrenergic and dopaminergic mechanisms.