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de Oliveira AL, Miranda RG, Dorta DJ. Recreational MDMA doses do not elicit hepatotoxicity in HepG2 spheroids under normo- and hyperthermia. Toxicology 2024; 503:153761. [PMID: 38401800 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), an entactogen with empathogenic and prosocial effects, is widely used in music festivals and other festive settings. High MDMA doses have been associated with drug-induced liver injury and cases of hyperthermia. Although the latter condition is thought to increase MDMA hepatotoxicity, this correlation remains poorly explored for recreational MDMA doses. On the other hand, the fact that MDMA acts to extinguish fear and to reconsolidate memory could be explored as an adjunct to psychotherapy during treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder. In this context, assessing MDMA toxicity is relevant, and tridimensional cell culture has emerged as an alternative to animal models in toxicity assessment. Herein, we have used HepG2 spheroids to evaluate MDMA-induced hepatotoxicity at recreational doses, under normo- or hyperthermia. The MTT reduction assay did not evidence significantly reduced cell viability. Moreover, MDMA did not increase reactive oxygen species production, deplete the mitochondrial membrane potential, arrest the cell cycle, or induce apoptotic cell death. These findings support further pre-clinical investigation of MDMA safety from the perspective of both harm reduction and therapy given that non-abusive recreational and therapeutic doses overlap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur L de Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Raul G Miranda
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Daniel J Dorta
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-901, Brazil.
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2
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Coray RC, Berberat J, Zimmermann J, Seifritz E, Stock AK, Beste C, Cole DM, Unschuld PG, Quednow BB. Striatal Iron Deposition in Recreational MDMA (Ecstasy) Users. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2023; 8:956-966. [PMID: 36848948 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2023.02.005] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The common club drug MDMA (also known as ecstasy) enhances mood, sensory perception, energy, sociability, and euphoria. While MDMA has been shown to produce neurotoxicity in animal models, research on its potential neurotoxic effects in humans is inconclusive and has focused primarily on the serotonin system. METHODS We investigated 34 regular, largely pure MDMA users for signs of premature neurodegenerative processes in the form of increased iron load in comparison to a group of 36 age-, sex-, and education-matched MDMA-naïve control subjects. We used quantitative susceptibility mapping, a novel tool able to detect even small tissue (nonheme) iron accumulations. Cortical and relevant subcortical gray matter structures were grouped into 8 regions of interest and analyzed. RESULTS Significantly increased iron deposition in the striatum was evident in the MDMA user group. The effect survived correction for multiple comparisons and remained after controlling for relevant confounding factors, including age, smoking, and stimulant co-use. Although no significant linear relationship between measurements of the amounts of MDMA intake (hair analysis and self-reports) and quantitative susceptibility mapping values was observed, increased striatal iron deposition might nevertheless point to MDMA-induced neurotoxic processes. Additional factors (hyperthermia and simultaneous co-use of other substances) that possibly amplify neurotoxic effects of MDMA during the state of acute intoxication are discussed. CONCLUSIONS The demonstrated increased striatal iron accumulation may indicate that regular MDMA users have an increased risk potential for neurodegenerative diseases with progressing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Coray
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Jatta Berberat
- Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Neuroradiology, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Josua Zimmermann
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ann-Kathrin Stock
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - David M Cole
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Translational Psychiatry Lab, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paul G Unschuld
- Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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3
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Aytac HM, Oyaci Y, Aydin PC, Pehlivan M, Pehlivan S. COMTVal158Met polymorphism is associated with ecstasy (MDMA)-induced psychotic symptoms in the Turkish population. NEUROSCIENCES (RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA) 2022; 27:24-30. [PMID: 35017287 PMCID: PMC9037567 DOI: 10.17712/nsj.2022.1.20210045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met gene polymorphism in MDMA use disorder (MUD) by comparing genotype distributions between MUD patients and healthy controls considering clinical parameters. METHODS Eighty-two MUD patients' were consecutively admitted to the outpatient psychiatry clinic in May 2019-January 2020, and 95 healthy volunteers were included in the case-control study. We used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) to determine COMT Val158Met polymorphism. RESULTS The COMT Val158Met genotype distribution and allele frequencies of the MUD patient group were significantly different from the healthy control group. The Met/Met genotype (OR: 2.692; 95% Cl: 1.272-5.698; p=0.008) and Met allele frequencies (OR: 1.716; 95% Cl: 1.118-2.633; p=0.013) were significantly higher in the control group than in MUD patients. When the COMT Val158Met genotype and allele frequency distributions were compared between 2 groups according to the psychotic symptoms in the MUD patient group, the COMT Val158Met genotype distributions were significantly different between the groups of patients. The percentage of patients with the Val/Val genotype was significantly lower in MUD patients with a psychotic symptom than the MUD patients without a psychotic symptom (OR: 2.625; 95% Cl: 1.069-6.446; p=0.033). CONCLUSION The COMT Val158Met gene polymorphism was found to be related to the MUD-diagnosed Turkish patients and MDMA-induced psychotic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Mervan Aytac
- From the Department of Psychiatry (Aytac), Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital; Department of Medical Biology (Oyaci, Pehlivan), Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, and from the Department of Psychiatry (Cetinay Aydin), Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Psychiatry Clinic, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, and from the Department of Hematology (Pehlivan), Gaziantep University, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Oyaci
- From the Department of Psychiatry (Aytac), Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital; Department of Medical Biology (Oyaci, Pehlivan), Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, and from the Department of Psychiatry (Cetinay Aydin), Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Psychiatry Clinic, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, and from the Department of Hematology (Pehlivan), Gaziantep University, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Pinar Cetinay Aydin
- From the Department of Psychiatry (Aytac), Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital; Department of Medical Biology (Oyaci, Pehlivan), Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, and from the Department of Psychiatry (Cetinay Aydin), Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Psychiatry Clinic, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, and from the Department of Hematology (Pehlivan), Gaziantep University, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Pehlivan
- From the Department of Psychiatry (Aytac), Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital; Department of Medical Biology (Oyaci, Pehlivan), Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, and from the Department of Psychiatry (Cetinay Aydin), Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Psychiatry Clinic, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, and from the Department of Hematology (Pehlivan), Gaziantep University, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Sacide Pehlivan
- From the Department of Psychiatry (Aytac), Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital; Department of Medical Biology (Oyaci, Pehlivan), Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, and from the Department of Psychiatry (Cetinay Aydin), Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Psychiatry Clinic, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, and from the Department of Hematology (Pehlivan), Gaziantep University, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep, Turkey
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Majić T, Brandt L, Montag C. Anxiety-related Symptoms following the Sporadic Use of Ecstasy - A Case Study. J Psychoactive Drugs 2021; 54:378-385. [PMID: 34823448 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2021.2006372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA/"ecstasy") is widespread in the electronic club scene, but MDMA has also been suggested for the treatment of anxiety spectrum disorders like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety in autistic adults. Here, we report a case of a high functioning 24-old student with a sporadic recreational use of ecstasy, and a history of a single episode of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A few days after using ecstasy during a period of stressful life events, he developed a complex depersonalization/derealization syndrome (DDS) including intermittent distortions of time and very short intermittent episodes of misidentification of persons. Furthermore, obsessive thoughts reappeared and he suffered a panic attack for the first time in his life. Under combined pharmacological treatment and psychotherapy, symptoms gradually subsided until full remission after 14 months. Some months after discontinuation of escitalopram, however, panic attacks recurred, evolving into a regular pattern. Even if MDMA is a promising tool for the treatment of some anxiety spectrum disorders in the framework of substance-assisted psychotherapy, the use of ecstasy might be also harmful for some patients with a history of anxiety or dissociative symptoms, when used recreationally or as a self-medication outside of a controlled clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomislav Majić
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.,Research Group Psychotropic Substances, Psychiatric University Clinic at Hospital St. Hedwig, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lasse Brandt
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christiane Montag
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
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5
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Aakerøy R, Brede WR, Stølen SB, Krabseth HM, Michelsen LS, Andreassen TN, Ader T, Frost J, Slettom G, Steihaug OM, Slørdal L. Severe Neurological Sequelae after a Recreational Dose of LSD. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 45:e1-e3. [PMID: 33031536 PMCID: PMC8363806 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A young man with an unremarkable medical history suffered a seizure with subsequent cardiorespiratory arrest and severe neurological sequelae after ingesting a blotter. Analysis of a similar blotter and a serum sample obtained 3 h after the event detected lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) at an amount of 300 µg in the blotter and at a concentration of 4.0 ng/mL (12.4 nmol/L) in the serum. No other drugs were present in concentrations which may confer significant effects. In addition, no individual traits which would make the patient particularly susceptible to adverse LSD effects have subsequently been identified. This suggests that LSD may confer toxic effects in previously healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Aakerøy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Wenche Rødseth Brede
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Hege-Merete Krabseth
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | | | - Tiina Ader
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Joachim Frost
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Grete Slettom
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Lars Slørdal
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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Chitre NM, Bagwell MS, Murnane KS. The acute toxic and neurotoxic effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine are more pronounced in adolescent than adult mice. Behav Brain Res 2019; 380:112413. [PMID: 31809766 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) recently achieved breakthrough status from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, evidence indicates that exposure to toxic doses of MDMA can lead to long-lasting dysregulation of brain monoaminergic neurotransmitters, primarily from studies conducted in young adult rodents. To date, there is a paucity of data on whether toxic doses of MDMA can differentially affect neurotransmitter systems in adolescents and mature adults, which is an important question as adolescents and adults may be differentially vulnerable to MDMA abuse. In the current study, adolescent (6-7 weeks of age) and mature adult (16-18 weeks of age) male, Swiss-Webster mice were exposed to MDMA (20 mg/kg) using a binge-like dosing regimen (4 administrations spaced every 2 h). Acute lethality, acute hyperthermia, and acute decreases in body weight following MDMA administration were more pronounced in adolescent than adult mice. Likewise, acute loss of striatal dopamine neurochemistry was also exacerbated in adolescents, as determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to electrochemical detection. Exposure to MDMA induced greater turnover of dopamine into its major metabolite dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in adolescents, but not in adults, suggesting a novel mechanism through which adolescents may show increased vulnerability to the acute toxic and neurotoxic effects of MDMA, or conversely that mature adults show greater protection. These data caution that MDMA exposure in adolescence may be particularly dangerous and that the therapeutic window for MDMA may differ between adolescents and mature adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Milind Chitre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Monique Simone Bagwell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kevin Sean Murnane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Virani S, Daya GN, Brainch N, Kotapati VP, Zaveri D, Ahmed S. Persistent Psychosis due to Single Dose of Ecstasy. Cureus 2018; 10:e3058. [PMID: 30280055 PMCID: PMC6166901 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.3058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecstasy, a popular drug among the younger generation, the primary psychoactive component of which is 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), is rarely known to have acute psychiatric effects and when it does, it is usually short term. We describe a patient who presented to the emergency room in a psychotic state after using ecstasy recreationally. Given his aggressive behavior in the community and risk for self-harm, he was emergently hospitalized to ensure safety. He developed persistent psychotic symptoms (delusions) after one dose of recreational MDMA and the team had the opportunity to observe, monitor, and treat his psychosis. This case along with few other documented cases highlights the gaps in research about the chronic, persistent effects and long-term consequences of MDMA. It also suggests that neuropsychiatric symptoms may not be readily reversible after cessation of use. There is an emphasis on the need for physicians to inquire about MDMA use and include it in toxicology screenings and as a potential differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanya Virani
- Psychiatry, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, USA
| | | | | | | | - Deval Zaveri
- Psychiatry, Maimonides Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- Behavioral Health Sciences, Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, USA
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8
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Rehman S, Vallamkonda O, Raut NB. Acute recreational drug toxicity: An update. INDIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SPECIALITIES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.injms.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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9
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Cadoni C, Pisanu A, Simola N, Frau L, Porceddu PF, Corongiu S, Dessì C, Sil A, Plumitallo A, Wardas J, Di Chiara G. Widespread reduction of dopamine cell bodies and terminals in adult rats exposed to a low dose regimen of MDMA during adolescence. Neuropharmacology 2017; 123:385-394. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Duman B, Sedes N, Baskak B. Additive Effects of Former Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and Cannabis Use on Subclinical Psychotic Symptoms. Noro Psikiyatr Ars 2017; 54:38-42. [PMID: 28566957 DOI: 10.5152/npa.2017.16964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an amphetamine-derived psychostimulant, usually known as "ecstasy." The long-term neuropsychological effects of MDMA are examined in several studies with conflicting results. The most common findings reported are depression, anxiety, and memory and attention deficits. In addition to acute psychotic reactions observed after MDMA use, serotonergic and dopaminergic toxicities may increase the psychosis risk in the long-term. Cannabis usage among MDMA users is very high. The aim of this study was, therefore, to examine the additive effects of cannabis and MDMA on subclinical psychotic symptoms (SPS). METHODS Here, 131 healthy controls (hC), 54 former cannabis and MDMA users (C&M), and 46 former cannabis users (C) were evaluated for SPS. The definition of former user was based on the Munich Composite International Diagnostic Interview. The SPS scores were assessed by using the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). The relationship between substance-free periods and total MDMA exposure with SPS was also examined. RESULTS The C&M group had higher levels of SPS than both C and hC groups. This is true not only for the total SPQ scores but both positive and negative schizotypy scores as well as cognitive-perceptual, disorganized, and interpersonal schizotypy scores aligned hierarchically in the 3 study groups (C&M>C>hC). The total MDMA exposure was positively correlated and MDMA-free period was negatively correlated with the SPS score. CONCLUSION We found that the former use of cannabis and MDMA is associated with marked elevation in SPS. Moreover, the exposure amount of MDMA and MDMA-free periods are important determinants of SPS. The longer the cannabis and ecstasy free periods, the larger is the waning of SPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berker Duman
- Department of Psychiatry, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nilay Sedes
- Department of Psychiatry, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bora Baskak
- Department of Psychiatry, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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Spadari M, Batisse A, Guerlais M, Boucher A, Daveluy A, Le Boisselier R, Gibaja V, Eiden C, Lepelley M, Roussin A, Deheul S, Frauger E, Debruyne D. Les aspects actuels de l’usage de l’ecstasy/MDMA en France. Therapie 2016; 71:553-562. [DOI: 10.1016/j.therap.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Wagner D, Adolph S, Koester P, Becker B, Gouzoulis-Mayfrank E, Daumann J. Interactions between specific parameters of MDMA use and cognitive and psychopathological measures. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2015; 58:32-7. [PMID: 25510880 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the relevance of different parameters of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use, including age of first use, cumulative lifetime dose and highest daily dose for predicting cognitive performance and self-reported psychopathology. Moreover, interactions between those parameters were examined. Ninety-six new MDMA users were interviewed to assess their drug use, and they completed a battery of cognitive tests concerning attention and information processing speed, episodic memory and executive functioning and self-reported psychopathology. Subjects participated again after 1year to provide follow-up data. Significant associations between age of first use and cumulative lifetime dose have been found for attention and information processing speed. Furthermore, the results showed a significant effect of age of first use on the recognition performance of the episodic memory. The findings of the current study provide a first estimation of the interactions between different MDMA use parameters. Future research should focus upon additional parameters of drug use and concentrate on consequent follow-up effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Wagner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, Cologne 50924, Germany
| | - Sophia Adolph
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, Cologne 50924, Germany
| | - Philip Koester
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, Cologne 50924, Germany
| | - Benjamin Becker
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, Cologne 50924, Germany
| | | | - Joerg Daumann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, Cologne 50924, Germany.
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Bosch OG, Quednow BB, Seifritz E, Wetter TC. Reconsidering GHB: orphan drug or new model antidepressant? J Psychopharmacol 2012; 26:618-28. [PMID: 21926421 DOI: 10.1177/0269881111421975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
For six decades, the principal mode of action of antidepressant drugs is the inhibition of monoamine re-uptake from the synaptic cleft. Tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the new generation of dual antidepressants all exert their antidepressant effects by this mechanism. In the early days of the monoaminergic era, other efforts have been made to ameliorate the symptoms of depression by pharmacological means. The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system was and possibly still is one of the main alternative drug targets. Gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB) was developed as an orally active GABA analogue. It was tested in animal models of depression and human studies. The effects on sleep, agitation, anhedonia and depression were promising. However, the rise of benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants brought GHB out of the scope of possible treatment alternatives. GHB is a GABA(B) and GHB receptor agonist with a unique spectrum of behavioural, neuroendocrine and sleep effects, and improves daytime sleepiness in various disorders such as narcolepsy, Parkinson's disease and fibromyalgia. Although it was banned from the US market at the end of the 1990s because of its abuse and overdose potential, it later was approved for the treatment of narcolepsy. New research methods and an extended view on other neurotransmitter systems as possible treatment targets of antidepressant treatment brought GHB back to the scene. This article discusses the unique neurobiological effects of GHB, its misuse potential and possible role as a model substance for the development of novel pharmacological treatment strategies in depressive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver G Bosch
- Clinic of Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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14
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Genetic deletion of trace amine 1 receptors reveals their role in auto-inhibiting the actions of ecstasy (MDMA). J Neurosci 2012; 31:16928-40. [PMID: 22114263 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2502-11.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
"Ecstasy" [3,4-methylenedioxymetamphetamine (MDMA)] is of considerable interest in light of its prosocial properties and risks associated with widespread recreational use. Recently, it was found to bind trace amine-1 receptors (TA(1)Rs), which modulate dopaminergic transmission. Accordingly, using mice genetically deprived of TA(1)R (TA(1)-KO), we explored their significance to the actions of MDMA, which robustly activated human adenylyl cyclase-coupled TA(1)R transfected into HeLa cells. In wild-type (WT) mice, MDMA elicited a time-, dose-, and ambient temperature-dependent hypothermia and hyperthermia, whereas TA(1)-KO mice displayed hyperthermia only. MDMA-induced increases in dialysate levels of dopamine (DA) in dorsal striatum were amplified in TA(1)-KO mice, despite identical levels of MDMA itself. A similar facilitation of the influence of MDMA upon dopaminergic transmission was acquired in frontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, and induction of locomotion by MDMA was haloperidol-reversibly potentiated in TA(1)-KO versus WT mice. Conversely, genetic deletion of TA(1)R did not affect increases in DA levels evoked by para-chloroamphetamine (PCA), which was inactive at hTA(1) sites. The TA(1)R agonist o-phenyl-3-iodotyramine (o-PIT) blunted the DA-releasing actions of PCA both in vivo (dialysis) and in vitro (synaptosomes) in WT but not TA(1)-KO animals. MDMA-elicited increases in dialysis levels of serotonin (5-HT) were likewise greater in TA(1)-KO versus WT mice, and 5-HT-releasing actions of PCA were blunted in vivo and in vitro by o-PIT in WT mice only. In conclusion, TA(1)Rs exert an inhibitory influence on both dopaminergic and serotonergic transmission, and MDMA auto-inhibits its neurochemical and functional actions by recruitment of TA(1)R. These observations have important implications for the effects of MDMA in humans.
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Scheidweiler KB, Ladenheim B, Barnes AJ, Cadet JL, Huestis MA. (±)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and metabolite disposition in plasma and striatum of wild-type and multidrug resistance protein 1a knock-out mice. J Anal Toxicol 2012; 35:470-80. [PMID: 21871156 DOI: 10.1093/anatox/35.7.470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice lacking multidrug resistance protein 1a (mdr1a) are protected from methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced neurotoxicity, suggesting mdr1a might play an important role in this phenomenon. We characterized MDMA pharmacokinetics in murine plasma and brain to determine if mdr1a alters MDMA distribution. Wild-type (mdr1a⁺/⁺) and mdr1a knock-out (mdr1a⁻/⁻) mice received i.p. 10, 20 or 40 mg/kg MDMA. Plasma and brain specimens were collected 0.3-4 h after MDMA, and striatum were dissected. MDMA and metabolites were quantified in plasma and striatum by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. MDMA maximum plasma concentrations (C(max)) for both strains were 916- 1363, 1833-3546, and 5979-7948 μg/L, whereas brain C(max) were 6673-14,869, 23,428-29,433, and 52,735-66,525 μg/kg after 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg MDMA, respectively. MDMA and metabolite striatum/plasma AUC ratios were similar in both strains, inconsistent with observed MDMA neuroprotective effects in mdr1a⁻/⁻ mice. Ratios of methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymethamphetamine (HMMA) AUCs exceeded 18% of MDMA's in plasma, suggesting substantial MDMA hepatic metabolism in mice. MDMA, MDA, HMMA, and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyamphetamine maximum concentrations and AUCs exhibited nonlinear relationships during dose-escalation studies, consistent with impaired enzymatic demethylenation. Nonlinear increases in MDMA plasma and brain concentrations with increased MDMA dose may potentiate MDMA effects and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl B Scheidweiler
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Biomedical Research Center, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA
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Kim J, Fan B, Liu X, Kerner N, Wu P. Ecstasy use and suicidal behavior among adolescents: findings from a national survey. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2011; 41:435-44. [PMID: 21631573 PMCID: PMC3152632 DOI: 10.1111/j.1943-278x.2011.00043.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between ecstasy use and suicidal behavior among adolescents in the United States was examined. Data from the adolescent subsample (ages 12-17, N = 19,301) of the 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse were used in the analyses. Information on adolescent substance use, suicidal behaviors, and related sociodemographic, family, and individual factors was obtained in the survey. The rate of past year suicide attempt among adolescents with lifetime ecstasy use was almost double that of adolescents who had used other drugs only, and nine times that of adolescents with no history of illicit drug use. In multinomial logistic regression analyses controlling for related factors, the effect of ecstasy use remained significant. Adolescent ecstasy users may require enhanced suicide prevention and intervention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jueun Kim
- College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Bin Fan
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Nancy Kerner
- College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Ping Wu
- College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA,Corresponding author at: Departments of Psychiatry and Epidemiology, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 43, New York, NY, 10032, USA. Tel: (212) 543-5190; Fax: (212) 781-6050;
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17
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Chronic administration of THC prevents the behavioral effects of intermittent adolescent MDMA administration and attenuates MDMA-induced hyperthermia and neurotoxicity in rats. Neuropharmacology 2011; 61:1183-92. [PMID: 21763331 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2011] [Revised: 06/27/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Most recreational users of 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "ecstasy") also take cannabis, in part because cannabis can reduce the dysphoric symptoms of the ecstasy come-down such as agitation and insomnia. Although previous animal studies have examined the acute effects of co-administering MDMA and Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the major psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, research on chronic exposure to this drug combination is lacking. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of chronic adolescent administration of both THC and MDMA on behavior and on regional serotonin transporter (SERT) binding and serotonin (5-HT) concentrations as indices of serotonergic system integrity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four drug administration groups: (1) MDMA alone, (2) THC alone, (3) MDMA plus THC, and (4) vehicle controls. MDMA (2 × 10 mg/kg × 4 h) was administered every fifth day from postnatal day (PD) 35 to 60 to simulate intermittent recreational ecstasy use, whereas THC (5mg/kg) was given once daily over the same time period to simulate heavy cannabis use. THC unexpectedly produced a modest hyperthermic effect when administered alone, but in animals co-treated with both THC and MDMA, there was an attenuation of MDMA-induced hyperthermia on dosing days. Subsequent testing conducted after a drug washout period revealed that THC reduced MDMA-related behavioral changes in the emergence and social interaction tests of anxiety-like behavior and also blunted the MDMA-induced decrease in exploratory behavior in the hole-board test. THC additionally attenuated MDMA -induced decreases in 5-HT levels and in SERT binding in the frontal cortex, parietal cortex, and striatum, but not in the hippocampus. These results suggest that chronic co-administration of THC during adolescence can provide some protection against various adverse physiological, behavioral, and neurochemical effects produced by MDMA.
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Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'Ecstasy'): Neurodegeneration versus Neuromodulation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2011. [PMCID: PMC4058674 DOI: 10.3390/ph4070992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The amphetamine analogue 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’) is widely abused as a recreational drug due to its unique psychological effects. Of interest, MDMA causes long-lasting deficits in neurochemical and histological markers of the serotonergic neurons in the brain of different animal species. Such deficits include the decline in the activity of tryptophan hydroxylase in parallel with the loss of 5-HT and its main metabolite 5-hydoxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) along with a lower binding of specific ligands to the 5-HT transporters (SERT). Of concern, reduced 5-HIAA levels in the CSF and SERT density have also been reported in human ecstasy users, what has been interpreted to reflect the loss of serotonergic fibers and terminals. The neurotoxic potential of MDMA has been questioned in recent years based on studies that failed to show the loss of the SERT protein by western blot or the lack of reactive astrogliosis after MDMA exposure. In addition, MDMA produces a long-lasting down-regulation of SERT gene expression; which, on the whole, has been used to invoke neuromodulatory mechanisms as an explanation to MDMA-induced 5-HT deficits. While decreased protein levels do not necessarily reflect neurodegeneration, the opposite is also true, that is, neuroregulatory mechanisms do not preclude the existence of 5-HT terminal degeneration.
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Pubill D, Garcia-Ratés S, Camarasa J, Escubedo E. Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors as New Targets for Amphetamine-Induced Oxidative Damage and Neurotoxicity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2011. [PMCID: PMC4055958 DOI: 10.3390/ph4060822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphetamine derivatives such as methamphetamine (METH) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”) are widely abused drugs in a recreational context. This has led to concern because of the evidence that they are neurotoxic in animal models and cognitive impairments have been described in heavy abusers. The main targets of these drugs are plasmalemmal and vesicular monoamine transporters, leading to reverse transport and increased monoamine efflux to the synapse. As far as neurotoxicity is concerned, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production seems to be one of the main causes. Recent research has demonstrated that blockade of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) inhibits METH- and MDMA-induced ROS production in striatal synaptosomes which is dependent on calcium and on NO-synthase activation. Moreover, α7 nAChR antagonists (methyllycaconitine and memantine) attenuated in vivo the neurotoxicity induced by METH and MDMA, and memantine prevented the cognitive impairment induced by these drugs. Radioligand binding experiments demonstrated that both drugs have affinity to α7 and heteromeric nAChR, with MDMA showing lower Ki values, while fluorescence calcium experiments indicated that MDMA behaves as a partial agonist on α7 and as an antagonist on heteromeric nAChR. Sustained Ca increase led to calpain and caspase-3 activation. In addition, modulatory effects of MDMA on α7 and heteromeric nAChR populations have been found.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pubill
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mails: ; Tel.: +34-93-402-4531; Fax: +34-93-403-5982
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Steinkellner T, Freissmuth M, Sitte HH, Montgomery T. The ugly side of amphetamines: short- and long-term toxicity of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'Ecstasy'), methamphetamine and D-amphetamine. Biol Chem 2011; 392:103-15. [PMID: 21194370 DOI: 10.1515/bc.2011.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Amphetamine ('Speed'), methamphetamine ('Ice') and its congener 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 'Ecstasy') are illicit drugs abused worldwide for their euphoric and stimulant effects. Despite compelling evidence for chronic MDMA neurotoxicity in animal models, the physiological consequences of such toxicity in humans remain unclear. In addition, distinct differences in the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of MDMA between species and different strains of animals prevent the rationalisation of realistic human dose paradigms in animal studies. Here, we attempt to review amphetamine toxicity and in particular MDMA toxicity in the pathogenesis of exemplary human pathologies, independently of confounding environmental factors such as poly-drug use and drug purity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Steinkellner
- Centre for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Währingerstrasse 13a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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Bauernfeind AL, Dietrich MS, Blackford JU, Charboneau EJ, Lillevig JG, Cannistraci CJ, Woodward ND, Cao A, Watkins T, Di Iorio CR, Cascio C, Salomon RM, Cowan RL. Human Ecstasy use is associated with increased cortical excitability: an fMRI study. Neuropsychopharmacology 2011; 36:1127-41. [PMID: 21326196 PMCID: PMC3079831 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2010.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The serotonergic neurotoxin, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA/Ecstasy), is a highly popular recreational drug. Human recreational MDMA users have neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric impairments, and human neuroimaging data are consistent with animal reports of serotonin neurotoxicity. However, functional neuroimaging studies have not found consistent effects of MDMA on brain neurophysiology in human users. Several lines of evidence suggest that studying MDMA effects in visual system might reveal the general cortical and subcortical neurophysiological consequences of MDMA use. We used 3 T functional magnetic resonance imaging during visual stimulation to compare visual system lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and Brodmann Area (BA) 17 and BA 18 activation in 20 long abstinent (479.95±580.65 days) MDMA users and 20 non-MDMA user controls. Lifetime quantity of MDMA use was strongly positively correlated with blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal intensity in bilateral LGN (r(s)=0.59; p=0.007), BA 17 (r(s)=0.50; p=0.027), and BA 18 (r(s)=0.48; p=0.031), and with the spatial extent of activation in BA 17 (r(s)=0.059; p=0.007) and BA 18 (r(s)=0.55; p=0.013). There were no between-group differences in brain activation in any region, but the heaviest MDMA users showed a significantly greater spatial extent of activation than controls in BA 17 (p=0.031) and BA 18 (p=0.049). These results suggest that human recreational MDMA use may be associated with a long-lasting increase in cortical excitability, possibly through loss of serotonin input to cortical and subcortical regions. When considered in the context of previous results, cortical hyper-excitability may be a biomarker for MDMA-induced serotonin neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Bauernfeind
- Psychiatric Neuroimaging Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
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Effect of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine on dendritic spine dynamics in rat neocortical neurons — Involvement of heat shock protein 27. Brain Res 2011; 1370:43-52. [PMID: 21075084 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Revised: 11/01/2010] [Accepted: 11/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The serotonin (5-HT) releasers (+/-)-fenfluramine and (+)-fenfluramine were withdrawn from clinical use owing to increased risk of valvular heart disease. One prevailing hypothesis (i.e., the '5-HT hypothesis') suggests that fenfluramine-induced increases in plasma 5-HT underlie the disease. OBJECTIVE Here, we critically evaluate the possible mechanisms responsible for fenfluramine-associated valve disease. METHODS Findings from in vitro and in vivo experiments performed in our laboratory are reviewed. The data are integrated with existing literature to address the validity of the 5-HT hypothesis and suggest alternative explanations. CONCLUSIONS The overwhelming majority of evidence refutes the 5-HT hypothesis. A more likely cause of fenfluramine-induced valvulopathy is activation of 5-HT(2B) receptors on heart valves by the metabolite norfenfluramine. Future serotonergic medications should be designed to lack 5-HT(2B) agonist activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B Rothman
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA.
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24
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Touriño C, Zimmer A, Valverde O. THC Prevents MDMA Neurotoxicity in Mice. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9143. [PMID: 20174577 PMCID: PMC2824821 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2009] [Accepted: 01/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of MDMA (ecstasy) recreational users also consume cannabis. Despite the rewarding effects that both drugs have, they induce several opposite pharmacological responses. MDMA causes hyperthermia, oxidative stress and neuronal damage, especially at warm ambient temperature. However, THC, the main psychoactive compound of cannabis, produces hypothermic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Therefore, THC may have a neuroprotective effect against MDMA-induced neurotoxicity. Mice receiving a neurotoxic regimen of MDMA (20 mg/kg x 4) were pretreated with THC (3 mg/kg x 4) at room (21 degrees C) and at warm (26 degrees C) temperature, and body temperature, striatal glial activation and DA terminal loss were assessed. To find out the mechanisms by which THC may prevent MDMA hyperthermia and neurotoxicity, the same procedure was carried out in animals pretreated with the CB(1) receptor antagonist AM251 and the CB(2) receptor antagonist AM630, as well as in CB(1), CB(2) and CB(1)/CB(2) deficient mice. THC prevented MDMA-induced-hyperthermia and glial activation in animals housed at both room and warm temperature. Surprisingly, MDMA-induced DA terminal loss was only observed in animals housed at warm but not at room temperature, and this neurotoxic effect was reversed by THC administration. However, THC did not prevent MDMA-induced hyperthermia, glial activation, and DA terminal loss in animals treated with the CB(1) receptor antagonist AM251, neither in CB(1) and CB(1)/CB(2) knockout mice. On the other hand, THC prevented MDMA-induced hyperthermia and DA terminal loss, but only partially suppressed glial activation in animals treated with the CB(2) cannabinoid antagonist and in CB(2) knockout animals. Our results indicate that THC protects against MDMA neurotoxicity, and suggest that these neuroprotective actions are primarily mediated by the reduction of hyperthermia through the activation of CB(1) receptor, although CB(2) receptors may also contribute to attenuate neuroinflammation in this process.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Astrocytes/drug effects
- Astrocytes/metabolism
- Body Temperature/drug effects
- Dronabinol/pharmacology
- Fever/chemically induced
- Fever/prevention & control
- Hallucinogens/toxicity
- Indoles/pharmacology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Microglia/drug effects
- Microglia/metabolism
- N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine/toxicity
- Neurotoxicity Syndromes/etiology
- Neurotoxicity Syndromes/prevention & control
- Piperidines/pharmacology
- Psychotropic Drugs/pharmacology
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Temperature
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Touriño
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Grup de Recerca en Neurobiologia del Comportament (GRNC), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail: (OV); (CT)
| | - Andreas Zimmer
- Department of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Olga Valverde
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Grup de Recerca en Neurobiologia del Comportament (GRNC), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail: (OV); (CT)
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Activation of 5-HT3 receptors leads to altered responses 6 months after MDMA treatment. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2010; 117:285-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-009-0357-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2009] [Accepted: 12/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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26
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Brenner GM, Stevens CW. Drugs of Abuse. Pharmacology 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4160-6627-9.00025-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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27
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Scheidweiler KB, Ladenheim B, Cadet JL, Huestis MA. Mice lacking multidrug resistance protein 1a show altered dopaminergic responses to methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in striatum. Neurotox Res 2009; 18:200-9. [PMID: 19851718 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-009-9124-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2009] [Revised: 08/04/2009] [Accepted: 10/07/2009] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug resistance protein 1a (MDR1a) potentiated methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced decreases of dopamine (DA) and dopamine transport protein in mouse brain one week after MDMA administration. In the present study, we examined if mdr1a wild-type (mdr1a +/+) and knock-out (mdr1a -/-) mice differentially handle the acute effects of MDMA on the nigrostriatal DA system 0-24 h following a single drug injection. 3-way ANOVA revealed significant 2-way interactions of strain x time (F (5,152) = 32.4, P < 0.001) and strain x dose (F (3,152) = 25.8, P < 0.001) on 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC)/DA ratios in mdr1a +/+ and -/- mice. 0.3-3 h after 10 mg/kg MDMA, DOPAC/DA ratios were increased in mdr1a +/+ mice, but decreased 0.3-1 h after MDMA in mdr1a -/- mice. Twenty-four hours after 10 mg/kg MDMA, DOPAC/DA ratios were increased 600% in mdr1a +/+ mice compared to saline-treated control mice, while in mdr1a -/- mice DOPAC/DA ratios were unchanged. Striatal MDMA and its metabolite, methylenedioxyamphetamine, concentrations by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were similar in both strains 0.3-4 h after MDMA, discounting the role of MDR1a-facilitated MDMA transport in observed inter-strain differences. Increased DOPAC/DA turnover in mdr1a +/+ mice following MDMA is consistent with the previous report that MDMA neurotoxicity is increased in mdr1a +/+ mice. Increased DA turnover via monoamine oxidase in mdr1a +/+ vs -/- mice might increase exposure to neurotoxic reactive oxygen species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl B Scheidweiler
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Biomedical Research Center, 251 Bayview Boulevard Suite 200, Room 05A-721, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Long-term neurobiological consequences of ecstasy: a role for pre-existing trait-like differences in brain monoaminergic functioning? Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2009; 94:227-33. [PMID: 19699758 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2009.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2009] [Revised: 07/31/2009] [Accepted: 08/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated whether trait-like differences in brain monoaminergic functioning relate to differential vulnerability for the long-term neurochemical depletion effects of MDMA. Genetically selected aggressive (SAL) and non-aggressive (LAL) house-mice differing in baseline serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission were administered MDMA. An acute binge-like MDMA injection protocol (three times, using either of the dosages of 0, 5, 10 and 20mg/kg i.p. with 3h interval) was employed. Three and 28 days after treatment with MDMA induced a dose-dependent depletion of striatal dopamine and its metabolites that did not differ between SAL and LAL mice. Similarly, the dose-dependent MDMA-induced serotonergic depletion did not differ between lines 3 days after treatment. Interestingly, 28 days after MDMA in LAL mice, 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels were still significantly depleted after treatment with 3x10 mg/kg, while in SAL mice 5-HT depletion was only seen after the highest dosage. Surprisingly, LAL mice did not show any long-term 5-HT depletion after treatment with the highest dose. In conclusion, only LAL mice are able to restore initial severe loss of MDMA-evoked 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels. SAL and LAL mice are differentially susceptible for the long-term but not short-term MDMA-induced serotonergic depletion in the striatum. The differentiation between both lines in the long-term striatal serotonergic response to MDMA seems to depend on the capacity of the brain to adapt to the short-term depletion of monoaminergic levels and may somehow be related to individual, trait-like characteristics of brain monoaminergic systems.
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Peters GJY, Kok G, Schaalma HP. Careers in ecstasy use: do ecstasy users cease of their own accord? Implications for intervention development. BMC Public Health 2008; 8:376. [PMID: 18957117 PMCID: PMC2583996 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-8-376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2008] [Accepted: 10/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ecstasy (MDMA, 3, 4-methylenodioxymethamphetamine) use is widespread in the Netherlands, with a lifetime prevalence of 4.3%, and two-thirds of dance party visitors being ecstasy users. However, research into Dutch ecstasy use patterns is lacking. In addition, recent studies suggest that ecstasy users cease their use automatically, which implies that interventions would do better to better focus on the promotion of harm reduction strategies than on inducing cessation. The current study addresses this process of ecstasy cessation. Methods 32 participants from the Dutch dance scene were interviewed, and the results were systematically analysed using NVivo. Results Most ecstasy users had started to use out of curiosity. During use, users applied a host of harm reduction strategies, albeit inconsistently and sometimes incorrectly. Most users appeared to cease ecstasy use automatically because of loss of interest or changing life circumstances (e.g. a new job or relationship). Conclusion It appears that cessation of ecstasy use is largely determined by environmental variables and not by health concerns. This supports the idea that health promotion resources are better spent in trying to promote consistent and correct application of harm reduction practices than in trying to induce cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gjalt-Jorn Ygram Peters
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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