Development of in vivo drug-induced neurotoxicity models.

INTRODUCTION: Neurotoxicity caused by diverse psychostimulant drugs, for example, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, cocaine or morphine is a cause of concern to human populations especially the young generation across the world. These recreational drugs affect brain function severely leading to addiction and brain pathology. Use of psychostimulants may induce breakdown of the blood-brain barrier to serum proteins resulting in adverse brain microenvironment, edema cell injury or eventually neuronal death. Thus, there is an urgent need to find out detailed mechanisms of psychostimulants-induced neurotoxicity in vivo models for suitable therapeutic strategies to induce neuroprotection and also to help de-addiction in clinical situations.

AREAS COVERED: In this review, psychostimulants drugs-induced neurotoxicity is discussed in view of recent literature and the financial burden it may pose on our society due to rehabilitation and de-addiction. Furthermore, experimental evidences of drug-induced neuroprotection are also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION: Use of in vivo models of neurotoxicity caused by psychostimulants is discussed based on author's own research and to find suitable drugs that could induce neuroprotection including nanodelivery. Furthermore, novel therapeutic agents for de-addiction and reducing neurotoxicity following psychostimulants administration are presented.