1
|
Arillotta D, Floresta G, Papanti Pelletier GD, Guirguis A, Corkery JM, Martinotti G, Schifano F. Exploring the Potential Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Substance Use, Compulsive Behavior, and Libido: Insights from Social Media Using a Mixed-Methods Approach. Brain Sci 2024; 14:617. [PMID: 38928616 PMCID: PMC11202225 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14060617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is involved in a range of central and peripheral pathways related to appetitive behavior. Hence, this study explored the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) on substance and behavioral addictions, including alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, cannabis, psychostimulants, compulsive shopping, and sex drive/libido. Data were collected from various social platforms. Keywords related to GLP-1 RAs and substance/behavioral addiction were used to extract relevant comments. The study employed a mixed-methods approach to analyze online discussions posted from December 2019 to June 2023 and collected using a specialized web application. Reddit entries were the focus here due to limited data from other platforms, such as TikTok and YouTube. A total of 5859 threads and related comments were extracted from six subreddits, which included threads about GLP-1 RAs drugs and associated brand names. To obtain relevant posts, keywords related to potential substance use and compulsive behavior were selected. Further analysis involved two main steps: (1) manually coding posts based on users' references to the potential impact of GLP-1 RAs on substance use and non-substance habits, excluding irrelevant or unclear comments; (2) performing a thematic analysis on the dataset of keywords, using AI-assisted techniques followed by the manual revision of the generated themes. Second, a thematic analysis was performed on the keyword-related dataset, using AI-assisted techniques followed by the manual revision of the generated themes. In total, 29.75% of alcohol-related; 22.22% of caffeine-related; and 23.08% of nicotine-related comments clearly stated a cessation of the intake of these substances following the start of GLP-1 RAs prescription. Conversely, mixed results were found for cannabis intake, and only limited, anecdotal data were made available for cocaine, entactogens, and dissociative drugs' misuse. Regarding behavioral addictions, 21.35% of comments reported a compulsive shopping interruption, whilst the sexual drive/libido elements reportedly increased in several users. The current mixed-methods approach appeared to be a useful tool in gaining insight into complex topics such as the effects of GLP-1 RAs on substance and non-substance addiction-related disorders; some GLP-1 RA-related mental health benefits could also be inferred from here. Overall, it appeared that GLP-1 RAs may show the potential to target both substance craving and maladaptive/addictive behaviors, although further empirical research is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Arillotta
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Floresta
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy;
| | - G. Duccio Papanti Pelletier
- Tolmezzo Community Mental Health Centre, ASUFC Mental Health Department, Via Giuliano Bonanni, 2, 33028 Tolmezzo, Italy;
| | - Amira Guirguis
- Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK;
| | - John Martin Corkery
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse, and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (J.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Institute of Advanced Biomedical Technology (ITAB), University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 21, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse, and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (J.M.C.); (F.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
De Felice B, Parolini M. Exposure to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) induced biochemical but not behavioral effects in Daphnia magna. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 100:104163. [PMID: 37257268 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Among amphetamine like stimulants (ATS), the 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is often detected in sewage and surface waters, representing a potential threat for organisms because of its peculiar mechanism of action (i.e., stimulatory and hallucinogenic). The present study aimed at investigating biochemical (i.e., oxidative stress and energetic biomarkers) and behavioral (i.e., swimming activity) effects induced by a 21-days exposure to two concentrations (50 ng/L and 500 ng/L) of MDMA towards Daphnia magna. The amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the activity of antioxidant (SOD, CAT, GPx) and detoxifying (GST) enzymes and lipid peroxidation were measured as oxidative stress-related endpoints. Total energy content was estimated from the measurement of protein, carbohydrate and lipid content to assess energy reserves. The modulation of swimming activity was assessed as behavioral endpoint. Slight effects of MDMA exposure on oxidative stress responses and energy reserves were observed, while no alterations of the swimming behavior was noted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice De Felice
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Marco Parolini
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Soto-Montenegro ML, García-Vázquez V, Lamanna-Rama N, López-Montoya G, Desco M, Ambrosio E. Neuroimaging reveals distinct brain glucose metabolism patterns associated with morphine consumption in Lewis and Fischer 344 rat strains. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4643. [PMID: 35301397 PMCID: PMC8931060 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08698-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulnerability to addiction may be given by the individual's risk of developing an addiction during their lifetime. A challenge in the neurobiology of drug addiction is understanding why some people become addicted to drugs. Here, we used positron emission tomography (PET) and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) to evaluate changes in brain glucose metabolism in response to chronic morphine self-administration (MSA) in two rat strains with different vulnerability to drug abuse, Lewis (LEW) and Fischer 344 (F344). Four groups of animals were trained to self-administer morphine or saline for 15 days. 2-deoxy-2-[18F]-fluoro-d-glucose (FDG)-PET studies were performed on the last day of MSA (acquisition phase) and after 15 days of withdrawal. PET data were analyzed using SPM12. LEW-animals self-administered more morphine injections per session than F344-animals. We found significant brain metabolic differences between LEW and F344 strains in the cortex, hypothalamus, brainstem, and cerebellum. In addition, the different brain metabolic patterns observed after the MSA study between these rat strains indicate differences in the efficiency of neural substrates to translate the drug effects, which could explain the differences in predisposition to morphine abuse between one individual and another. These findings have important implications for the use of these rat strains in translational morphine and opiate research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mª Luisa Soto-Montenegro
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain. .,CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain. .,Laboratorio de Imagen, Medicina Experimental, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo, 46, 28007, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Nicolás Lamanna-Rama
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Bioingeniería E Ingeniería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonzalo López-Montoya
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Educación Nacional a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Desco
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain. .,CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain. .,Departamento de Bioingeniería E Ingeniería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. .,Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, CNIC, Madrid, Spain. .,Laboratorio de Imagen, Medicina Experimental, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo, 46, 28007, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Emilio Ambrosio
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Educación Nacional a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain. .,Laboratorio de Imagen, Medicina Experimental, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo, 46, 28007, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Carroll HA, James LJ. Hydration, Arginine Vasopressin, and Glucoregulatory Health in Humans: A Critical Perspective. Nutrients 2019; 11:E1201. [PMID: 31141915 PMCID: PMC6627358 DOI: 10.3390/nu11061201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucoregulatory diseases, such as type 2 diabetes are currently a key public health priority. Public health messages have started to include the addition of water in their dietary guidelines. Such guidelines however are not based on causal evidence pertaining to the health effects of increased water intake, but rather more heavily based upon non-causal or mechanistic data. One line of thinking linking fluid intake and health is that hypohydration induces elevated blood concentrations of arginine vasopressin (AVP). Research in the 1970s and 1980s implicated AVP in glucoregulation, supported by observational evidence. This important area of research subsequently appeared to stop until the 21st century during which interest in hypertonic saline infusion studies, animal AVP receptor knockout models, dietary and genetic associations, and human interventions manipulating hydration status have resurged. This narrative review briefly describes and critically evaluates the usefulness of the current AVP-glucoregulatory research. We offer suggestions on how to test the independent glucoregulatory effects of body water changes compared to elevated circulating AVP concentrations, such as investigating hydration manipulations using 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Whilst much research is still needed before making firm conclusions, the current evidence suggests that although AVP may be partially implicated in glucoregulation, more ecologically valid models using human participants suggests this effect might be independent of the hydration status. The key implication of this hypothesis if confirmed in future research is that manipulating the hydration status to reduce circulating AVP concentrations may not be an effective method to improve glucoregulatory health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harriet A. Carroll
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
- Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road West, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Lewis J. James
- Exercise and Health Sciences, School of Sport, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Páleníček T, Lhotková E, Žídková M, Balíková M, Kuchař M, Himl M, Mikšátková P, Čegan M, Valeš K, Tylš F, Horsley RR. Emerging toxicity of 5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane (MDAI): Pharmacokinetics, behaviour, thermoregulation and LD50 in rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 69:49-59. [PMID: 27083855 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
MDAI (5,6-Methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane) has a reputation as a non-neurotoxic ecstasy replacement amongst recreational users, however the drug has been implicated in some severe and lethal intoxications. Due to this, and the fact that the drug is almost unexplored scientifically we investigated a broad range of effects of acute MDAI administration: pharmacokinetics (in sera, brain, liver and lung); behaviour (open field; prepulse inhibition, PPI); acute effects on thermoregulation (in group-/individually-housed rats); and systemic toxicity (median lethal dose, LD50) in Wistar rats. Pharmacokinetics of MDAI was rapid, maximum median concentration in serum and brain was attained 30min and almost returned to zero 6h after subcutaneous (sc.) administration of 10mg/kg MDAI; brain/serum ratio was ~4. MDAI particularly accumulated in lung tissue. In the open field, MDAI (5, 10, 20 and 40mg/kg sc.) increased exploratory activity, induced signs of behavioural serotonin syndrome and reduced locomotor habituation, although by 60min some effects had diminished. All doses of MDAI significantly disrupted PPI and the effect was present during the onset of its action as well as 60min after treatment. Unexpectedly, 40mg/kg MDAI killed 90% of animals in the first behavioural test, hence LD50 tests were conducted which yielded 28.33mg/kg sc. and 35mg/kg intravenous but was not established up to 40mg/kg after gastric administration. Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) with brain oedema was concluded as a direct cause of death in sc. treated animals. Finally, MDAI (10, 20mg/kg sc.) caused hyperthermia and perspiration in group-housed rats. In conclusion, the drug had fast pharmacokinetics and accumulated in lipohilic tissues. Behavioural findings were consistent with mild, transient stimulation with anxiolysis and disruption of sensorimotor processing. Together with hyperthermia, the drug had a similar profile to related entactogens, especially 3,4-metyhlenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) and paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA). Surprisingly subcutaneous MDAI appears to be more lethal than previously thought and its serotonergic toxicity is likely exacerbated by group housing conditions. MDAI therefore poses greater risks to physical and mental health than recognised hitherto.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Páleníček
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic; 3(rd) Medical faculty, Charles University in Prague, Ruská 87, 110 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic.
| | - Eva Lhotková
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Žídková
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Charles University in Prague, Studničkova 4, 128 21 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Balíková
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Charles University in Prague, Studničkova 4, 128 21 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kuchař
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic; Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology & Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Himl
- Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology & Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Mikšátková
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic; Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology & Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Čegan
- Masaryk hospital in Ústí nad Labem, Sociální péče 3316/12A, 401 13 Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Valeš
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Tylš
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic; 3(rd) Medical faculty, Charles University in Prague, Ruská 87, 110 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Rachel R Horsley
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Functional neuroimaging of amphetamine-induced striatal neurotoxicity in the pleiotrophin knockout mouse model. Neurosci Lett 2015; 591:132-137. [PMID: 25703219 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Amphetamine-induced neurotoxic effects have traditionally been studied using immunohistochemistry and other post-mortem techniques, which have proven invaluable for the definition of amphetamine-induced dopaminergic damage in the nigrostriatal pathway. However, these approaches are limited in that they require large numbers of animals and do not provide the temporal data that can be collected in longitudinal studies using functional neuroimaging techniques. Unfortunately, functional imaging studies in rodent models of drug-induced neurotoxicity are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo the changes in brain glucose metabolism caused by amphetamine in the pleiotrophin knockout mouse (PTN-/-), a genetic model with increased vulnerability to amphetamine-induced neurotoxic effects. We showed that administration of amphetamine causes a significantly greater loss of striatal tyrosine hydroxylase content in PTN-/- mice than in wild-type (WT) mice. In addition, [(18)F]-FDG-PET shows that amphetamine produces a significant decrease in glucose metabolism in the striatum and prefrontal cortex in the PTN-/- mice, compared to WT mice. These findings suggest that [(18)F]-FDG uptake measured by PET is useful for detecting amphetamine-induced changes in glucose metabolism in vivo in specific brain areas, including the striatum, a key feature of amphetamine-induced neurotoxicity.
Collapse
|
7
|
Profound hypoglycemia with ecstasy intoxication. Case Rep Emerg Med 2015; 2015:483153. [PMID: 25692049 PMCID: PMC4322300 DOI: 10.1155/2015/483153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy is a synthetic drug that is commonly abused for its stimulant and euphoric effects. Adverse MDMA effects include hyperthermia, psychomotor agitation, hemodynamic compromise, renal failure, hyponatremia, and coma. However, endogenous hyperinsulinemia with severe persistent hypoglycemia has not been reported with MDMA use. Case Report. We report the case of a 29-year-old woman who remained severely hypoglycemic requiring continuous intravenous infusion of high-dose dextrose solutions for more than 24 hours after MDMA intoxication. Serum insulin and C-peptide levels confirmed marked endogenous hyperinsulinemia as the cause of the severe hypoglycemia. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Immediate and frequent monitoring of blood glucose should be instituted in patients presenting with MDMA ingestion particularly if found to be initially hypoglycemic. Early recognition can help prevent the deleterious effects of untreated hypoglycemia that can add to the morbidity from MDMA use. Clinicians need to be aware of this side effect of MDMA so they can carefully monitor and treat it, especially in patients presenting with altered mental status.
Collapse
|
8
|
Shahraki MR, Irani M. The effects of ecstasy on liver function tests, blood glucose, and lipids profile of male rats. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HIGH RISK BEHAVIORS & ADDICTION 2014; 3:e21076. [PMID: 25741481 PMCID: PMC4331654 DOI: 10.5812/ijhrba.21076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: Ecstasy is used to improve mood and cordiality; however, based on some reports, it is neurotoxic to human users. Objectives: Because of the euphoria induced by MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) on the users, its consumption is increasing in almost all countries. This study was carried out to determine the effects of ecstasy administration in rats’ blood sugar, lipids profile, and liver function tests. Materials and Methods: The experiment was performed using 50 mature Wistar-Albino male rats. The rats were divided into five groups (n = 10). Sham control group (A), received tap water and ordinary rodent diet. The control (B) was administered saline but tests group C, D1, and D2 received single dose and multiple doses of MDMA, respectively. After experimental period, animals were deeply anesthetized by diethyl ether, sacrificed and the blood samples were collected for the evaluation of blood glucose, serum lipid and aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALK-P). Data were expressed as mean ± SD and statistical difference was considered significant at P < 0.05. Results: In C group, the values of blood sugar (193.8 ± 11.6 mg/dL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) (19.2 ± 7.9 mg/dL), and cholesterol (76.1 ± 10.6 mg/dL), were significantly increased compared with those of control A and B (135 ± 12.7), (140 ± 18.8), and (45.4 ± 9.8), (49.8 ± 2.1) (49.4 ± 10.6) groups. However, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were significantly increased in groups D1 (145.8 ± 14.7 U/L), (91.1 ± 8.1 U/L), and D2 (159.4 ± 13.8 U/L) and (75.4 ± 7.8) compared with those of group A (107.2 ± 8.1), (45.4 ± 9.8), B (79.8 ± 12.1), (49.8 ± 2.1), and C (115.6 ± 17.5), (52.1 ± 7.6 U/L). Cholesterol and LDL increased in groups C and D compared with group A. Conclusions: These results indicated that chronic administration of MDMA affects liver as well as lipoprotein profile in male rats. The exact mechanism of action needs further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Shahraki
- Department of Physiology, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Mohmmad Reza Shahraki, Department of Physiology, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, IR Iran. Tel: +98-5413414552-5, Fax: +98-5413414563, E-mail:
| | - Mahdieh Irani
- Zahedan Health Service Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, IR Iran
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pachmerhiwala R, Bhide N, Straiko M, Gudelsky GA. Role of serotonin and/or norepinephrine in the MDMA-induced increase in extracellular glucose and glycogenolysis in the rat brain. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 644:67-72. [PMID: 20633550 PMCID: PMC2944403 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2009] [Revised: 07/03/2010] [Accepted: 07/06/2010] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The acute administration of MDMA has been shown to promote glycogenolysis and increase the extracellular concentration of glucose in the striatum. In the present study the role of serotonergic and/or noradrenergic mechanisms in the MDMA-induced increase in extracellular glucose and glycogenolysis was assessed. The relationship of these responses to the hyperthermia produced by MDMA also was examined. The administration of MDMA (10mg/kg, i.p.) resulted in a significant and sustained increase of 65-100% in the extracellular concentration of glucose in the striatum, as well as in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, and a 35% decrease in brain glycogen content. Peripheral blood glucose was modestly increased by 32% after MDMA treatment. Treatment of rats with fluoxetine (10mg/kg, i.p.) significantly attenuated the MDMA-induced increase in extracellular glucose in the striatum but had no effect on MDMA-induced glycogenolysis or hyperthermia. Treatment with prazosin (1mg/kg, i.p.) did not alter the glucose or glycogen responses to MDMA but completely suppressed MDMA-induced hyperthermia. Finally, propranolol (3mg/kg, i.p.) significantly attenuated the MDMA-induced increase in extracellular glucose and glycogenolysis but did not alter MDMA-induced hyperthermia. The present results suggest that MDMA increases extracellular glucose in multiple brain regions, and that this response involves both serotonergic and noradrenergic mechanisms. Furthermore, beta-adrenergic and alpha-adrenergic receptors appear to contribute to MDMA-induced glycogenolysis and hyperthermia, respectively. Finally, hyperthermia, glycogenolysis and elevated extracellular glucose appear to be independent, unrelated responses to acute MDMA administration.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Brain/drug effects
- Brain/metabolism
- Fever/chemically induced
- Fluoxetine/pharmacology
- Glucose/metabolism
- Glycogenolysis/drug effects
- Male
- N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine/pharmacology
- Norepinephrine/metabolism
- Prazosin/pharmacology
- Propranolol/pharmacology
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha/drug effects
- Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha/metabolism
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta/drug effects
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta/metabolism
- Serotonin/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nirmal Bhide
- James Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Megan Straiko
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Gary A. Gudelsky
- James Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Graham DL, Herring NR, Schaefer TL, Vorhees CV, Williams MT. Glucose and corticosterone changes in developing and adult rats following exposure to (+/-)-3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine or 5-methoxydiisopropyltryptamine. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2009; 32:152-7. [PMID: 19737610 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2009.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2009] [Revised: 08/21/2009] [Accepted: 08/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The use of the club drugs 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 5-methoxy-n,n-diisopropyltryptamine (Foxy) is of growing concern, especially as many of the effects, particularly during development, are unknown. The effects of these drugs upon homeostasis may be important since both are known to stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The purpose of this experiment was to examine alterations in rats in corticosterone and glucose following an acute exposure to these drugs at different stages of development: preweaning, juvenile, and adulthood. Both MDMA and Foxy increased corticosterone levels significantly at all ages examined, while glucose was elevated at all stages except at the juvenile time point (postnatal day 28). For both measures, there were no differences between the sexes with either drug. The data indicate that an acute exposure to these drugs alters CORT and glucose levels, raising the possibility that these changes may have effects on behavioral and cognitive function, as we and others have previously demonstrated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devon L Graham
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, & Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bibliography. Current world literature. Diabetes and the endocrine pancreas II. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2008; 15:383-93. [PMID: 18594281 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e32830c6b8e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|
12
|
Gudelsky GA, Yamamoto BK. Actions of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on cerebral dopaminergic, serotonergic and cholinergic neurons. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2007; 90:198-207. [PMID: 18035407 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2007.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2007] [Revised: 09/22/2007] [Accepted: 10/03/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an amphetamine derivative and a popular drug of abuse that exhibits mild hallucinogenic and rewarding properties and engenders feelings of connectedness and openness. The unique psychopharmacological profile of this drug of abuse most likely is derived from the property of MDMA to promote the release of dopamine and serotonin (5-HT) in multiple brain regions. The present review highlights primarily data from studies employing in vivo microdialysis that detail the actions of MDMA on the release of these neurotransmitters. Data from in vivo microdialysis experiments indicate that MDMA, like most amphetamine derivatives, increases the release of dopamine in the striatum, n. accumbens and prefrontal cortex. However, the release of dopamine evoked by MDMA in each of these brain regions appears to be modulated by concomitantly released 5-HT and the subsequent activation of 5-HT2A/C or 5-HT2B/C receptors. In addition to its stimulatory effect on the release of monoamines, MDMA also enhances the release of acetylcholine in the striatum, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and this cholinergic response appears to be secondary to the activation of histaminergic, dopaminergic and/or serotonergic receptors. Beyond the acute stimulatory effect of MDMA on neurotransmitter release, MDMA also increases the extracellular concentration of energy substrates, e.g., glucose and lactate in the brain. In contrast to the acute stimulatory actions of MDMA on the release of monoamines and acetylcholine, the repeated administration of high doses of MDMA is thought to result in a selective neurotoxicity to 5-HT axon terminals in the rat. Additional studies are reviewed that focus on the alterations in neurotransmitter responses to pharmacological and physiological stimuli that accompany MDMA-induced 5-HT neurotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gary A Gudelsky
- University of Cincinnati, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, 3225 Eden Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States.
| | | |
Collapse
|