Methamphetamine (METH) is among the most widely used illegal forms of amphetamine. Whether it is injected, snorted, or smoked, METH is a highly addictive substance that affects both peripheral and central nervous system actions. METH use ranges from episodes of binge to chronic use. To investigate METH effects, several animal models have been developed and described to model the various patterns of human METH use. In this work, we examine the molecular, cellular, and structural mechanisms of METH use. Then, we describe the different animal models of METH misuse. Next, we discuss, in details, the acute exposure model which assesses the immediate effects of METH on the brain and the chronic exposure model which best describes the more common long-term consequences of METH use observed in humans. Finally, we tackle the effects and consequences of each paradigm and focus on METH-induced neurotoxic effects and the behavioral changes attributed to each of the described paradigms.
Keywords: Acute; Behavioral consequences; Binge; Chronic; Escalating; Methamphetamine; Neurotoxicity; Rodent models; Self-administration.