PMAT deficiency sex-selectivity influences D-amphetamine-induced locomotor sensitization

PMAT is a cation transporter that primarily takes up serotonin and dopamine. Our hypothesis was that mice with reduced or no functional levels of PMAT would have enhanced D-amphetamine sensitization in comparison to wildtypes. Over the course of 5 injection days of D-amphetamine, locomotion in males and females was recorded. Sensitization was calculated relative to locomotor activity on the first injection day. In female mice, those with lower functional PMAT displayed less sensitization to D-amphetamine than their wildtype counterparts. In males, those with reduced functional PMAT showed greater sensitization to D-amphetamine in comparison to same-sex knockouts. Our findings indicate PMAT may contribute to the dopamine efflux caused by D-amphetamine.