Effect of d-amphetamine on brain protein synthesis

The effect of high to lethal doses of d-amphetamine on the incorporation of radiolabeled leucine into brain microsomal protein was studied in mice. High doses of d-amphetamine ranging from 30 to 100 mg/kg significantly inhibited protein synthesis 1 hr after ip injection, whereas smaller doses were ineffective. The addition of d-amphetamine to the microsomal incubation system at concentrations greater than 5 mm likewise inhibited protein synthesis. The in vivo and in vitro inhibitory effect was attributed to a drug-induced alteration of the soluble fraction rather than of the brain microsomes.