Abstract

Vulnerability to methamphetamine (MA) use is related to the genetics that mediate the aversive and rewarding effects of MA. According to the most recent research, a gene known as the trace-amine associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) seems to play protective role, meaning animals that have a functional version of the gene have very low voluntary MA intake. Our research worked with mice that have a non-functional version of the TAAR1 gene and mice that have the functional version of the gene TAAR1+/+ knocked in via the CRISPR-Cas9 method. We pharmacologically manipulated the gene and were able to show that TAAR1 receptor is necessary for the aversive effects of MA and other hypothermic effects.