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Rein B, Raymond K, Boustani C, Tuy S, Zhang J, St. Laurent R, Pomrenze MB, Boroon P, Heifets B, Smith M, Malenka RC. MDMA enhances empathy-like behaviors in mice via 5-HT release in the nucleus accumbens. Sci Adv 2024; 10:eadl6554. [PMID: 38657057 PMCID: PMC11042730 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl6554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a psychoactive drug with powerful prosocial effects. While MDMA is sometimes termed an "empathogen," empirical studies have struggled to clearly demonstrate these effects or pinpoint underlying mechanisms. Here, we paired the social transfer of pain and analgesia-behavioral tests modeling empathy in mice-with region-specific neuropharmacology, optogenetics, and transgenic manipulations to explore MDMA's action as an empathogen. We report that MDMA, given intraperitoneally or infused directly into the nucleus accumbens (NAc), robustly enhances the social transfer of pain and analgesia. Optogenetic stimulation of 5-HT release in the NAc recapitulates the effects of MDMA, implicating 5-HT signaling as a core mechanism. Last, we demonstrate that systemic MDMA or optogenetic stimulation of NAc 5-HT inputs restores deficits in empathy-like behaviors in the Shank3-deficient mouse model of autism. These findings demonstrate enhancement of empathy-related behaviors by MDMA and implicate 5-HT signaling in the NAc as a core mechanism mediating MDMA's empathogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Rein
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kendall Raymond
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Cali Boustani
- Department of Neurobiology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sabrena Tuy
- Department of Neurobiology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Robyn St. Laurent
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Matthew B. Pomrenze
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Parnaz Boroon
- Department of Neurobiology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Boris Heifets
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Monique Smith
- Department of Neurobiology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Robert C. Malenka
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Gilman TL, Canfield JR, Worst TJ, Sprague JE. Effects of the designer drug 4-methylamphetamine on core temperature and serotonin levels in the striatum and hippocampus of rats. Neurosci Lett 2024; 827:137740. [PMID: 38521402 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are typically synthesized in clandestine laboratories in an attempt to chemically modify already federally regulated drugs in an effort to circumvent the law. Drugs derived from a phenethylamine pharmacophore, such as 4-chloroamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), reliably induce thermogenesis and serotonergic deficits in the striatum and hippocampus of rodents. 4-methylamphetamine (4-MA), a relative newcomer to the NPS scene, was originally investigated in the mid-1900 s as a potential anorexigenic agent. With its phenethylamine pharmacophore, 4-MA was hypothesized to produce similar toxicological alterations as its chemical analogs. In the present study, three doses (1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/kg, ip.) of 4-MA were administered to rats twice daily for two days. Core temperature data were calculated and analyzed as temperature area under the curve (TAUC). On the second day of dosing, a hypothermic response to 4-MA (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) was noted between 0.5 and 2.0 h post-treatment. Only the highest dose of 4-MA decreased body weight on the second day of treatment and maintained this reduction in weight for seven days after treatment ceased. None of the doses of 4-MA evaluated significantly altered serotonin levels in the hippocampus or striatum seven days after final treatment. The present findings demonstrate that the 4-methyl substitution to amphetamine generates a pharmacological and toxicological profile that differs from other similar phenethylamine analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Lee Gilman
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Brain Health Research Institute, Healthy Communities Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, United States
| | - Jeremy R Canfield
- The Ohio Attorney General's Center for the Future of Forensic Science, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, United States
| | - Travis J Worst
- The Ohio Attorney General's Center for the Future of Forensic Science, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, United States
| | - Jon E Sprague
- The Ohio Attorney General's Center for the Future of Forensic Science, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, United States.
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Shinozuka K, Tabaac BJ, Arenas A, Beutler BD, Cherian K, Evans VD, Fasano C, Muir OS. Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians-3,4-Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA). Am J Ther 2024; 31:e141-e154. [PMID: 38518271 DOI: 10.1097/mjt.0000000000001722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After becoming notorious for its use as a party drug in the 1980s, 3,4-methylenedioxy-methampetamine (MDMA), also known by its street names "molly" and "ecstasy," has emerged as a powerful treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY There are extensive data about the risk profile of MDMA. However, the literature is significantly biased. Animal models demonstrating neurotoxic or adverse effects used doses well beyond the range that would be expected in humans (up to 40 mg/kg in rats compared with roughly 1-2 mg/kg in humans). Furthermore, human samples often comprise recreational users who took other substances in addition to MDMA, in uncontrolled settings. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES Phase III clinical trials led by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) have shown that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has an effect size of d = 0.7-0.91, up to 2-3 times higher than the effect sizes of existing antidepressant treatments. 67%-71% of patients who undergo MDMA-assisted psychotherapy no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD within 18 weeks. We also describe other promising applications of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treating alcohol use disorder, social anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions. LIMITATIONS Thus far, almost all clinical trials on MDMA have been sponsored by a single organization, MAPS. More work is needed to determine whether MDMA-assisted therapy is more effective than existing nonpharmacological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy. CONCLUSIONS Phase III trials suggest that MDMA is superior to antidepressant medications for treating PTSD. Now that MAPS has officially requested the Food and Drug Administration to approve MDMA as a treatment for PTSD, legal MDMA-assisted therapy may become available as soon as 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Shinozuka
- Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Burton J Tabaac
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV
- Department of Neurology, Carson Tahoe Health, Carson City, NV
| | - Alejandro Arenas
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Bryce D Beutler
- University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kirsten Cherian
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Viviana D Evans
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | - Owen S Muir
- Fermata Health, Brooklyn, NY; and
- Acacia Clinics, Sunnyvale, CA
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Tabaac BJ, Shinozuka K, Arenas A, Beutler BD, Cherian K, Evans VD, Fasano C, Muir OS. Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians-Historical Perspective and Overview. Am J Ther 2024; 31:e97-e103. [PMID: 38518266 DOI: 10.1097/mjt.0000000000001727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychedelic drugs have recently emerged as plausibly effective pharmacological agents for the management of depression, anxiety, and other neuropsychiatric conditions, including those that are treatment-resistent. The latter half of the 20th century marked a revolution in the treatment of mental illnesses, exemplified by the introduction of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other pharmacological agents. Nevertheless, mental illness remains a major public health crisis, affecting nearly one billion individuals worldwide. AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY Because of the decades-long status of several psychedelics as Schedule I drugs, there have not been very many large, double-blind, randomized controlled trials of psychedelics. Owing to small sample sizes, there may be rare yet serious adverse events that have not been reported in the clinical trials thus far. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES Esketamine, a dissociative hallucinogen drug, was approved for the management of major depressive disorder by the Food and Drug Administration in 2019. As of January 2024, two Phase III trials of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a synthetic drug that inhibits the serotonin transporter, have been completed; the results indicate that MDMA is superior to existing pharmacological treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder. A phase III trial of psilocybin, a naturally occurring serotonin receptor partial agonist, is currently underway. The following series details the current state of research in psychedelic therapeutics, including lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), N-N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and ayahuasca, psilocybin, ibogaine, MDMA, and ketamine. LIMITATIONS While initial clinical trials of psychedelics for depression were very promising, trials of psilocybin with larger sample sizes (100+ participants) suggest that its remission rate is 25%-29%. This is about the same as the remission rate of antidepressants, which is roughly 30% according to the landmark STAR*D trial. CONCLUSIONS Psychedelic drugs and structural derivatives offer a great deal of promise for the management of a wide range of psychiatric morbidities. It is imperative that clinicians become familiar with these novel agents and learn how to integrate psychedelic therapy with the rest of their care through open communication and referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burton J Tabaac
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV
- Department of Neurology, Carson Tahoe Health, Carson City, NV
| | - Kenneth Shinozuka
- Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alejandro Arenas
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Bryce D Beutler
- University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kirsten Cherian
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Viviana D Evans
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | - Owen S Muir
- Fermata Health, Brooklyn, NY; and
- Acacia Clinics, Sunnyvale, CA
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5
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Opitz A, Zimmermann J, Cole DM, Coray RC, Zachäi A, Baumgartner MR, Steuer AE, Pilhatsch M, Quednow BB, Beste C, Stock AK. Conflict monitoring and emotional processing in 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and methamphetamine users - A comparative neurophysiological study. Neuroimage Clin 2024; 41:103579. [PMID: 38447413 PMCID: PMC10924209 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2024.103579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
In stimulant use and addiction, conflict control processes are crucial for regulating substance use and sustaining abstinence, which can be particularly challenging in social-affective situations. Users of methamphetamine (METH, "Ice") and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy") both experience impulse control deficits, but display different social-affective and addictive profiles. We thus aimed to compare the effects of chronic use of the substituted amphetamines METH and MDMA on conflict control processes in different social-affective contexts (i.e., anger and happiness) and investigate their underlying neurophysiological mechanisms. For this purpose, chronic but recently abstinent users of METH (n = 38) and MDMA (n = 42), as well as amphetamine-naïve healthy controls (n = 83) performed an emotional face-word Stroop paradigm, while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded. Instead of substance-specific differences, both MDMA and METH users showed smaller behavioral effects of cognitive-emotional conflict processing (independently of emotional valence) and selective deficits in emotional processing of anger content. Both effects were underpinned by stronger P3 ERP modulations suggesting that users of substituted amphetamines employ altered stimulus-response mapping and decision-making. Given that these processes are modulated by noradrenaline and that both MDMA and METH use may be associated with noradrenergic dysfunctions, the noradrenaline system may underlie the observed substance-related similarities. Better understanding the functional relevance of this currently still under-researched neurotransmitter and its functional changes in chronic users of substituted amphetamines is thus an important avenue for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Opitz
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Josua Zimmermann
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David M Cole
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Translational Psychiatry Lab, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca C Coray
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Zachäi
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea E Steuer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maximilian Pilhatsch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Elblandklinikum, Radebeul, Germany
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Stock
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany; Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, School of Science, TU Dresden, Germany.
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Wexler A, Dubinskaya A, Suyama J, Komisaruk BR, Anger J, Eilber K. Does MDMA have treatment potential in sexual dysfunction? A systematic review of outcomes across the female and male sexual response cycles. Sex Med Rev 2023; 12:26-34. [PMID: 37888490 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qead046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual health, an integral component of overall well-being, is frequently compromised by common yet underdiagnosed sexual dysfunctions. Traditional interventions encompass pharmaceutical and psychological treatments. Unconventional therapies, like MDMA, offer hope for sexual dysfunction. This review delves into MDMA's effects on sexual responsiveness and its potential role in treating sexual dysfunction. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this review is to elucidate effects of MDMA on different domains of the female and male sexual response cycles. METHODS We conducted a systematic review on the effects of MDMA on each domain of the female and male sexual response cycles. PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were queried, and results were screened using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Search terms utilized were "MDMA" or "ecstasy" in combination with "desire," "arousal," "lubrication," "orgasm," "pleasure," "libido," "erection," and "ejaculation." Inclusion criteria for this review were MDMA use by study subjects and sexual outcomes in at least 1 domain of the female and/or male sexual response cycles were described and measured. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies (both prospective and retrospective), surveys, and literature reviews published between January 2000 and June 2022 were included. Case reports and studies that did not address conditions of interest were excluded from analysis. Duplicated search results were screened out. The remaining studies were then read in full text to ensure they met inclusion and exclusion criteria for analysis. RESULTS We identified 181 studies, of which 6 met criteria for assessment of the female sexual response cycle and 8 met criteria for assessment of the male sexual response cycle. Four of 6 studies reported increased sexual desire with MDMA use among women. Arousal and lubrication were improved with MDMA use in 3 of 4 studies, but they were not affected in 1 randomized control study. In men, 7 studies evaluated the effects of MDMA on desire and/or arousal, 5 studies measured impact on erection, 3 on orgasm, and 2 on ejaculation. Sixty percent of interview-based studies reported increased sexual desire in men, while 40% reported mixed or no effect. Two studies reported impairment of erection, 2 reported mixed effects, and 1 reported fear of erection impairment. In both men and women, all studies evaluating orgasm reported delay in achieving orgasm but increased intensity and pleasure if achieved. Primary outcome measures were variable and largely qualitative. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that MDMA generally increases sexual desire and intensifies orgasm when achieved. While producing conflicting evidence on sexual arousal in both sexes, MDMA may impair erectile and ejaculatory function in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Wexler
- The Hebrew University- Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, 9112001, Israel
| | - Alexandra Dubinskaya
- Los Angeles Institute for Pelvic and Sexual Medicine, Beverly Hills, CA, 90210, United States
| | - Julie Suyama
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 90213, United States
| | - Barry R Komisaruk
- Psychology Department, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07102, United States
| | - Jennifer Anger
- Division of Gender Affirming Surgery, Urologic Reconstruction, and Female Pelvic Medicine, Department of Urology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - Karyn Eilber
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Beverly Hills, 90048, CA, United States
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Flameling LJ, Aday JS, van Elk M. Expectancy Effects Cannot Be Neglected in MDMA-Assisted Therapy Research. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:4062-4063. [PMID: 37967550 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- L Jacob Flameling
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden 2333 AK, The Netherlands
| | - Jacob S Aday
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Michiel van Elk
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden 2333 AK, The Netherlands
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Qu Y, Eguchi A, Ma L, Wan X, Mori C, Hashimoto K. Role of the gut-brain axis via the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve in stress resilience of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in mice exposed to chronic restrain stress. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 189:106348. [PMID: 37956855 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is the most widely used illicit substance worldwide. Nevertheless, recent observational studies demonstrated that lifetime MDMA use among U.S. adults was associated with a lower risk of depression and suicide thoughts. We recently reported that the gut-brain axis may contribute to MDMA-induced stress resilience in mice. To further explore this, we investigated the effects of subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (SDV) in modulating the stress resilience effects of MDMA in mice subjected to chronic restrain stress (CRS). Pretreatment with MDMA (10 mg/kg/day for 14 days) blocked anhedonia-like behavior and reduced expression of synaptic proteins and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of CRS-exposed mice. Interestingly, SDV blocked the beneficial effects of MDMA on these alterations in CRS-exposed mice. Analysis of gut microbiome revealed alterations in four measures of α-diversity between the sham + MDMA + CRS group and the SDV + MDMA + CRS group. Moreover, specific microbes differed between the vehicle + CRS group and the MDMA + CRS group, and further differences in microbial composition were observed among all four groups. Untargeted metabolomics analysis showed that SDV prevented the increase in plasma levels of three compounds [lactic acid, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinol, 8-acetyl-7-hydroxyvumaline] observed in the sham + MDMA + CRS group. Interestingly, positive correlations were found between the plasma levels of two of these compounds and the abundance of several microbes across all groups. In conclusion, our data suggest that the gut-brain axis via the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve might contribute to the stress resilience of MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youge Qu
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Akifumi Eguchi
- Department of Sustainable Health Science, Chiba University Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Li Ma
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Xiayun Wan
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Chisato Mori
- Department of Sustainable Health Science, Chiba University Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba 263-8522, Japan; Department of Bioenvironmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
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9
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Holka-Pokorska J. Can research on entactogens contribute to a deeper understanding of human sexuality? Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1381-1397. [PMID: 37935915 PMCID: PMC10661745 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00552-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, scientific research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds has experienced a resurgence of interest. New studies have shown promising results, supporting the use of psychedelic drugs in treating various psychiatric disorders, including treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even alcohol addiction. The FDA has recognized 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) as a breakthrough therapy to treat symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. At the same time, interviews with recreational MDMA users have documented experiences of emotional intimacy while using MDMA, often without the desire for penetrative sex. However, some people have reported that MDMA increases their sexual arousal and specifically use it to enhance their sexual performance. This study aims to analyze current and planned research on the psychophysiological effects of entactogens on human sexuality. With their prosocial potential, the pharmacokinetic and neuroendocrine effects of entactogens may recreate the subjective experience of emotional intimacy, the initiation of intimate relationships, or even feelings of 'falling in love' with previously neutral individuals while under the influence of entactogens. This includes MDMA-induced sexual arousal-like effects observed through subjective behavioral perceptions of desire and arousal and specific physiological markers such as oxytocin and prolactin. Modern MDMA-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) protocols are transparent and follow strict ethical guidelines. However, despite these proposed ethical principles, little consideration has been given to the potential neurobehavioral effects of entactogens on the sexuality of participants in MDMA-AP protocols. The psychophysiological and sexual effects of entactogens should be discussed more openly in current MDMA-AP protocols, including the potential experience of the phenomenon of sexualized pharmacotransference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Holka-Pokorska
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology of the Central Nervous System, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego 9, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland.
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10
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Straumann I, Ley L, Holze F, Becker AM, Klaiber A, Wey K, Duthaler U, Varghese N, Eckert A, Liechti ME. Acute effects of MDMA and LSD co-administration in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in healthy participants. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:1840-1848. [PMID: 37258715 PMCID: PMC10584820 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01609-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
There is renewed interest in the use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in psychiatric research and practice. Although acute subjective effects of LSD are mostly positive, negative subjective effects, including anxiety, may occur. The induction of overall positive acute subjective effects is desired in psychedelic-assisted therapy because positive acute experiences are associated with greater therapeutic long-term benefits. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produces marked positive subjective effects and is used recreationally with LSD, known as "candyflipping." The present study investigated whether the co-administration of MDMA can be used to augment acute subjective effects of LSD. We used a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design with 24 healthy subjects (12 women, 12 men) to compare the co-administration of MDMA (100 mg) and LSD (100 µg) with MDMA and LSD administration alone and placebo. Outcome measures included subjective, autonomic, and endocrine effects and pharmacokinetics. MDMA co-administration with LSD did not change the quality of acute subjective effects compared with LSD alone. However, acute subjective effects lasted longer after LSD + MDMA co-administration compared with LSD and MDMA alone, consistent with higher plasma concentrations of LSD (Cmax and area under the curve) and a longer plasma elimination half-life of LSD when MDMA was co-administered. The LSD + MDMA combination increased blood pressure, heart rate, and pupil size more than LSD alone. Both MDMA alone and the LSD + MDMA combination increased oxytocin levels more than LSD alone. Overall, the co-administration of MDMA (100 mg) did not improve acute effects or the safety profile of LSD (100 µg). The combined use of MDMA and LSD is unlikely to provide relevant benefits over LSD alone in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04516902.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Straumann
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laura Ley
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Friederike Holze
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna M Becker
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aaron Klaiber
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kathrin Wey
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Urs Duthaler
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nimmy Varghese
- Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transfaculty Research Platform Molecular and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anne Eckert
- Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transfaculty Research Platform Molecular and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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11
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Geng X, Li S, Li J, Qi R, Zhong L, Yu H. MDMA targets miR-124/MEKK3 via MALAT1 to promote Parkinson's disease progression. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:8889-8899. [PMID: 37688681 PMCID: PMC10635915 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08775-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is a well-known neurodegenerative disease that is usually caused by the progressive loss of dopamine neurons and the formation of Lewy vesicles. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has been reported to cause damage to human substantia nigra neurons and an increased risk of PD, but the exact molecular mechanisms need further investigation. METHODS MPTP- and MPP+-induced PD cells and animal models were treated with Nissl staining to assess neuronal damage in the substantia nigra (SN) area; immunohistochemistry to detect TH expression in the SN; TUNEL staining to detect apoptosis in the SN area; Western blotting to detect the inflammatory factors NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6 and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 3 (MEKK3); Griess assay for NO; RT‒qPCR for metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) and miR-124 expression; Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8. Dual luciferase reporter genes were used to verify targeting relationships. RESULTS MDMA promoted MALAT1 expression, and knockdown of MALAT1 alleviated the MDMA-induced inhibition of SH-SY5Y cell proliferation, inflammation, NO release, SN neuronal injury, and TH expression inhibition. Both inhibition of miR-124 and overexpression of MEKK3 reversed the neuroprotective effects exhibited by knockdown of MALAT1. CONCLUSION MDMA promotes MALAT1 expression and inhibits the targeted downregulation of MEKK3 by miR-124, resulting in upregulation of the expression of MEKK3 and finally jointly promoting PD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Geng
- The Second Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Neurological Disease, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Shipeng Li
- The Second Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Neurological Disease, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Jinghui Li
- The Second Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Neurological Disease, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Renli Qi
- The Second Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Neurological Disease, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Lianmei Zhong
- The Second Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China.
- Yunnan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Neurological Disease, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China.
| | - Hualin Yu
- The Second Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China.
- Yunnan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Neurological Disease, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China.
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12
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Linguiti S, Vogel JW, Sydnor VJ, Pines A, Wellman N, Basbaum A, Eickhoff CR, Eickhoff SB, Edwards RR, Larsen B, McKinstry-Wu A, Scott JC, Roalf DR, Sharma V, Strain EC, Corder G, Dworkin RH, Satterthwaite TD. Functional imaging studies of acute administration of classic psychedelics, ketamine, and MDMA: Methodological limitations and convergent results. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 154:105421. [PMID: 37802267 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is increasingly used to non-invasively study the acute impact of psychedelics on the human brain. While fMRI is a promising tool for measuring brain function in response to psychedelics, it also has known methodological challenges. We conducted a systematic review of fMRI studies examining acute responses to experimentally administered psychedelics in order to identify convergent findings and characterize heterogeneity in the literature. We reviewed 91 full-text papers; these studies were notable for substantial heterogeneity in design, task, dosage, drug timing, and statistical approach. Data recycling was common, with 51 unique samples across 91 studies. Fifty-seven studies (54%) did not meet contemporary standards for Type I error correction or control of motion artifact. Psilocybin and LSD were consistently reported to moderate the connectivity architecture of the sensorimotor-association cortical axis. Studies also consistently reported that ketamine administration increased activation in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. Moving forward, use of best practices such as pre-registration, standardized image processing and statistical testing, and data sharing will be important in this rapidly developing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Linguiti
- Penn Lifespan Informatics and Neuroimaging Center (PennLINC), Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jacob W Vogel
- Penn Lifespan Informatics and Neuroimaging Center (PennLINC), Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, SciLifeLab, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Valerie J Sydnor
- Penn Lifespan Informatics and Neuroimaging Center (PennLINC), Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Adam Pines
- Penn Lifespan Informatics and Neuroimaging Center (PennLINC), Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Nick Wellman
- Penn Lifespan Informatics and Neuroimaging Center (PennLINC), Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Allan Basbaum
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Claudia R Eickhoff
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, (INM-1, INM-7), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Simon B Eickhoff
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, (INM-1, INM-7), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Robert R Edwards
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Bart Larsen
- Penn Lifespan Informatics and Neuroimaging Center (PennLINC), Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Andrew McKinstry-Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Neuroscience of Unconsciousness and Reanimation Research Alliance (NEURRAL), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - J Cobb Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States; VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA (Veterans Affairs) Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - David R Roalf
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Vaishnavi Sharma
- Penn Lifespan Informatics and Neuroimaging Center (PennLINC), Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Eric C Strain
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Gregory Corder
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Robert H Dworkin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Theodore D Satterthwaite
- Penn Lifespan Informatics and Neuroimaging Center (PennLINC), Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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Molla H, Lee R, Lyubomirsky S, de Wit H. Drug-induced social connection: both MDMA and methamphetamine increase feelings of connectedness during controlled dyadic conversations. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15846. [PMID: 37740024 PMCID: PMC10516994 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43156-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
MDMA is a stimulant-like drug with distinctive empathogenic effects. Its pro-social effects, such as feelings of connectedness, may contribute to both its popularity as a recreational drug and its apparent value as an adjunct to psychotherapy. However, little is known about the behavioral processes by which MDMA affects social interactions. This investigation examined the effects of MDMA (100 mg versus placebo; N = 18) on feelings of connectedness with an unfamiliar partner during a semi-structured casual conversation. A separate study examined the effects of a prototypic stimulant methamphetamine (MA; 20 mg versus placebo; N = 19) to determine the pharmacological specificity of effects. Oxytocin levels were obtained in both studies. Compared to placebo, both MDMA and MA increased feelings of connection with the conversation partners. Both MDMA and MA increased oxytocin levels, but oxytocin levels were correlated with feeling closer to the partner only after MDMA. These findings demonstrate an important new dimension of the pro-social effects of MDMA, its ability to increase feelings of connectedness during casual conversations between two individuals. Surprisingly, MA had a similar effect. The findings extend our knowledge of the social effects of these drugs, and illustrate a sensitive method for assessing pro-social effects during in-person dyadic encounters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Molla
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Royce Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Harriet de Wit
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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van de Wetering R, Vorster JA, Geyrhofer S, Harvey JE, Keyzers RA, Schenk S. Behavioral metabolomics: how behavioral data can guide metabolomics research on neuropsychiatric disorders. Metabolomics 2023; 19:69. [PMID: 37530897 PMCID: PMC10397151 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-023-02034-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Metabolomics produces vast quantities of data but determining which metabolites are the most relevant to the disease or disorder of interest can be challenging. OBJECTIVES This study sought to demonstrate how behavioral models of psychiatric disorders can be combined with metabolomics research to overcome this limitation. METHODS We designed a preclinical, untargeted metabolomics procedure, that focuses on the determination of central metabolites relevant to substance use disorders that are (a) associated with changes in behavior produced by acute drug exposure and (b) impacted by repeated drug exposure. Untargeted metabolomics analysis was carried out on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry data obtained from 336 microdialysis samples. Samples were collected from the medial striatum of male Sprague-Dawley (N = 21) rats whilst behavioral data were simultaneously collected as part of a (±)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced behavioral sensitization experiment. Analysis was conducted by orthogonal partial least squares, where the Y variable was the behavioral data, and the X variables were the relative concentrations of the 737 detected features. RESULTS MDMA and its derivatives, serotonin, and several dopamine/norepinephrine metabolites were the greatest predictors of acute MDMA-produced behavior. Subsequent univariate analyses showed that repeated MDMA exposure produced significant changes in MDMA metabolism, which may contribute to the increased abuse liability of the drug as a function of repeated exposure. CONCLUSION These findings highlight how the inclusion of behavioral data can guide metabolomics data analysis and increase the relevance of the results to the phenotype of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross van de Wetering
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Jan A Vorster
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Sophie Geyrhofer
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Joanne E Harvey
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Robert A Keyzers
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Susan Schenk
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Aburahma A, Rana S, Larsen R, Ward CS, Sprague JE. Influence of adrenalectomy on the gut microbiome and MDMA-induced hyperthermia. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 945:175643. [PMID: 36882148 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The increased use of the stimulant drug, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), more commonly known as Ecstasy, Molly or X, has been linked to the development of life-threatening hyperthermia in human and animal models. The current study aimed to investigate the role of the gut-adrenal axis in MDMA-induced hyperthermia by assessing the influence of the acute exogenous supplementation with norepinephrine (NE) or corticosterone (CORT) to adrenalectomized (ADX) rats following MDMA administration. MDMA (10 mg/kg, sc) resulted in significant increase of body temperature in SHAM animals compared to ADX animals at 30-, 60- and 90-min timepoints post-MDMA treatment. The attenuated MDMA-mediated hyperthermic response seen in ADX animals was partially restored by the exogenous administration of NE (3 mg/kg, ip) or CORT (3 mg/kg, ip) 30 min after MDMA treatment. Additionally, 16 S rRNA analysis revealed distinct changes in the gut microbiome composition and diversity notable by the higher abundance of minor phyla Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia and Proteobacteria in ADX rats compared to control and SHAM rats. Furthermore, MDMA administration resulted in marked changes in the dominant phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes and minor phyla Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia and Proteobacteria in ADX animals. The most notable changes in the gut microbiome upon CORT treatment were reported with increase in Bacteroidetes and decrease in Firmicutes phyla whereas NE treatment resulted in increase in Firmicutes and decrease in Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria post treatment. These results suggest a correlation between the sympathoadrenal axis, gut microbiome structure and diversity and MDMA-mediated hyperthermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Aburahma
- The Ohio Attorney General's Center for the Future of Forensic Science, USA
| | - Srishti Rana
- The Department of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA
| | - Ray Larsen
- The Department of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA
| | - Christopher S Ward
- The Department of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA
| | - Jon E Sprague
- The Ohio Attorney General's Center for the Future of Forensic Science, USA.
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Sáez-Briones P, Palma B, Burgos H, Barra R, Hernández A. Aromatic Bromination Abolishes Deficits in Visuospatial Learning Induced by MDMA ("Ecstasy") in Rats While Preserving the Ability to Increase LTP in the Prefrontal Cortex. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043724. [PMID: 36835133 PMCID: PMC9963799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
It has recently been demonstrated that aromatic bromination at C(2) abolishes all typical psychomotor, and some key prosocial effects of the entactogen MDMA in rats. Nevertheless, the influence of aromatic bromination on MDMA-like effects on higher cognitive functions remains unexplored. In the present work, the effects of MDMA and its brominated analog 2Br-4,5-MDMA (1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg i.p. each) on visuospatial learning, using a radial, octagonal Olton maze (4 × 4) which may discriminate between short-term and long-term memory, were compared with their influence on in vivo long-term potentiation (LTP) in the prefrontal cortex in rats. The results obtained indicate that MDMA diminishes both short- and long-term visuospatial memory but increases LTP. In contrast, 2Br-4,5-MDMA preserves long-term visuospatial memory and slightly accelerates the occurrence of short-term memory compared to controls, but increases LTP, like MDMA. Taken together, these data are consistent with the notion that the modulatory effects induced by the aromatic bromination of the MDMA template, which abolishes typical entactogenic-like responses, might be extended to those effects affecting higher cognitive functions, such as visuospatial learning. This effect seems not to be associated with the increase of LTP in the prefrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricio Sáez-Briones
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología y Comportamiento, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile
- Correspondence:
| | - Boris Palma
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 7500912, Chile
| | - Héctor Burgos
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 7570008, Chile
| | - Rafael Barra
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | - Alejandro Hernández
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile
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Rothbaum BO, Maples-Keller JL. The promise of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in combination with prolonged exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:255-256. [PMID: 35859012 PMCID: PMC9700782 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01381-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara O Rothbaum
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Jessica L Maples-Keller
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, Georgia
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Sottile JE, Macia KS, Wickham RE, Haug NA. Development and initial validation of an MDMA/Ecstasy motives assessment. Addict Behav 2023; 136:107494. [PMID: 36162335 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE MDMA/Ecstasy motives differ from those of other substances such as alcohol, cannabis, and methamphetamine. Previous literature on alcohol and cannabis use identified social, expansion, enhancement, coping, and conformism as primary motives for use. MDMA/Ecstasy users also report using the drug for increases in self-awareness and energy. The development of an MDMA/Ecstasy use motives assessment has potential to inform treatment interventions and public policy on harm reduction. METHOD An MDMA/Ecstasy use motives assessment was developed from alcohol and cannabis motives measures and qualitative feedback from MDMA/Ecstasy users. Participants included an international sample of adults (N = 1754) who completed an online questionnaire regarding their motives for using recreational MDMA/Ecstasy. RESULTS Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis supported a 4-factor MDMA/Ecstasy motives scale. The four motive scales showed good internal consistency reliabilitySocial (α = 0.88) Expansion (α = 0.81), Coping (α = 0.82), and Energy (α = 0.75). Conformity and Enhancement did not emerge as significant factors. Analyses demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity with relevant constructs including quantity/frequency of use, MDMA use disorder, sensation seeking personality, and positive and negative consequences of use. CONCLUSIONS MDMA/Ecstasy use motives differ from those of other substances due to the distinctly stimulating, emotional, and empathic effects sought by users. By identifying salient MDMA/Ecstasy motives, this study highlights the unique aspects of recreational MDMA/Ecstasy use. This research has utility for informing clinical practice and contributing to public health harm reduction efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Sottile
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, 1791 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304 USA
| | - Kathryn S Macia
- National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025 USA
| | - Robert E Wickham
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, S San Francisco Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86011 USA
| | - Nancy A Haug
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, 1791 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304 USA.
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Manke HN, Nelson KH, Huang S, Bailey JM, Bowman SK, Jones RA, Cerveny SE, Rice KC, Riley AL. Methylone pre-exposure differentially impacts the aversive effects of MDPV and MDMA in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats: Implications for abuse vulnerability. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 220:173470. [PMID: 36206863 PMCID: PMC9667388 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polydrug use is well documented in synthetic cathinone users, although the consequences of such use are not well characterized. In pre-clinical research, a pre-exposure to a drug has been reported to attenuate the aversive effects of other drugs which has implications for their abuse potential. The goal of the present study was to investigate the impact of pre-exposure to the synthetic cathinone methylone on the aversive effects of MDPV and MDMA. METHOD Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 10 mg/kg of methylone every 4th day (for a total of five injections) prior to taste avoidance training with 1.8 mg/kg of MDPV or 1 mg/kg of MDMA. RESULTS MDPV and MDMA induced taste avoidance in males and females (all p's < 0.05). In males, methylone pre-exposure attenuated the avoidance induced by MDPV and MDMA (all p's < 0.05) with the attenuation greater with MDPV. In females, methylone pre-exposure attenuated avoidance induced by MDPV (all p's < 0.05), but it had no effect on those induced by MDMA (all p's > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The effects of exposure to methylone on taste avoidance induced by MDPV and MDMA were drug- (MDPV > MDMA) and sex- (MDMA only in males) dependent. The attenuating effects of methylone pre-exposure on MDPV and MDMA were discussed in terms of their shared neurochemical action. These findings suggest that a history of methylone use may reduce the aversive effects of MDPV and MDMA which may have implications for polydrug use involving the synthetic cathinones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley N Manke
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA.
| | - Katharine H Nelson
- Reichel Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Shihui Huang
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Jacob M Bailey
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Sara K Bowman
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Robert A Jones
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Sydney E Cerveny
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anthony L Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA.
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Tsai CJ, Chiu CH, Kuo YY, Huang WS, Yu TH, Flores LG, Yeh SHH, Ma KH. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Model: In Vivo 4-[18F]-ADAM PET Imaging. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137035. [PMID: 35806049 PMCID: PMC9266335 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have confirmed that 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produces long-lasting changes to the density of the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT). Amitriptyline (AMI) has been shown to exert neuroprotective properties in neuropathologic injury. Here, we used a SERT-specific radionuclide, 4-[18F]-ADAM, to assess the longitudinal alterations in SERT binding and evaluate the synergistic neuroprotective effect of AMI in a rat MDMA model. In response to MDMA treatment regimens, SERT binding was significantly reduced in rat brains. Region-specific recovery rate (normalized to baseline) in the MDMA group at day 14 was 71.29% ± 3.21%, and progressively increased to 90.90% ± 7.63% at day 35. AMI dramatically increased SERT binding in all brain regions, enhancing average ~18% recovery rate at day 14 when compared with the MDMA group. The immunochemical staining revealed that AMI markedly increased the serotonergic fiber density in the cingulate and thalamus after MDMA-induction, and confirmed the PET findings. Using in vivo longitudinal PET imaging, we demonstrated that SERT recovery was positively correlated with the duration of MDMA abstinence, implying that lower SERT densities in MDMA-induced rats reflected neurotoxic effects and were (varied) region-specific and reversible. AMI globally accelerated the recovery rate of SERT binding and increased SERT fiber density with possible neuroprotective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Jung Tsai
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (C.-J.T.); (W.-S.H.)
| | - Chuang-Hsin Chiu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei 114, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Yeh Kuo
- Department of Nursing, Hsin-Sheng College of Medical Care and Management, Taoyuan 325, Taiwan;
| | - Wen-Sheng Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (C.-J.T.); (W.-S.H.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cheng-Hsin General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsun Yu
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chaio Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (T.-H.Y.); (S.H.-H.Y.)
| | | | - Skye Hsin-Hsien Yeh
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chaio Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (T.-H.Y.); (S.H.-H.Y.)
- School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hsing Ma
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medi Center, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-8792-3100 (ext. 18728 or 18081)
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22
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Sarparast A, Thomas K, Malcolm B, Stauffer CS. Drug-drug interactions between psychiatric medications and MDMA or psilocybin: a systematic review. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1945-1976. [PMID: 35253070 PMCID: PMC9177763 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06083-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE & OBJECTIVES ± 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and psilocybin are currently moving through the US Food and Drug Administration's phased drug development process for psychiatric treatment indications: posttraumatic stress disorder and depression, respectively. The current standard of care for these disorders involves treatment with psychiatric medications (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), so it will be important to understand drug-drug interactions between MDMA or psilocybin and psychiatric medications. METHODS In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we queried the MEDLINE database via PubMed for publications of human studies in English spanning between the first synthesis of psilocybin (1958) and December 2020. We used 163 search terms containing 22 psychiatric medication classes, 135 specific psychiatric medications, and 6 terms describing MDMA or psilocybin. RESULTS Forty publications were included in our systematic review: 26 reporting outcomes from randomized controlled studies with healthy adults, 3 epidemiologic studies, and 11 case reports. Publications of studies describe interactions between MDMA (N = 24) or psilocybin (N = 5) and medications from several psychiatric drug classes: adrenergic agents, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, mood stabilizers, NMDA antagonists, psychostimulants, and several classes of antidepressants. We focus our results on pharmacodynamic, physiological, and subjective outcomes of drug-drug interactions. CONCLUSIONS As MDMA and psilocybin continue to move through the FDA drug development process, this systematic review offers a compilation of existing research on psychiatric drug-drug interactions with MDMA or psilocybin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryan Sarparast
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Kelan Thomas
- College of Pharmacy, Touro University California, Vallejo, CA, 94592, USA
| | | | - Christopher S Stauffer
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
- Department of Mental Health, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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23
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Islas ÁA, Scior T. Allosteric Binding of MDMA to the Human Serotonin Transporter (hSERT) via Ensemble Binding Space Analysis with ΔG Calculations, Induced Fit Docking and Monte Carlo Simulations. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27092977. [PMID: 35566327 PMCID: PMC9099856 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite the recent promising results of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) as a psychotherapeutic agent and its history of misuse, little is known about its molecular mode of action. MDMA enhances monoaminergic neurotransmission in the brain and its valuable psychoactive effects are associated to a dual action on the 5-HT transporter (SERT). This drug inhibits the reuptake of 5-HT (serotonin) and reverses its flow, acting as a substrate for the SERT, which possesses a central binding site (S1) for antidepressants as well as an allosteric (S2) one. Previously, we characterized the spatial binding requirements for MDMA at S1. Here, we propose a structure-based mechanistic model of MDMA occupation and translocation across both binding sites, applying ensemble binding space analyses, electrostatic complementarity, and Monte Carlo energy perturbation theory. Computed results were correlated with experimental data (r = 0.93 and 0.86 for S1 and S2, respectively). Simulations on all hSERT available structures with Gibbs free energy estimations (ΔG) revealed a favourable and pervasive dual binding mode for MDMA at S2, i.e., adopting either a 5-HT or an escitalopram-like orientation. Intermediate ligand conformations were identified within the allosteric site and between the two sites, outlining an internalization pathway for MDMA. Among the strongest and more frequent interactions were salt bridges with Glu494 and Asp328, a H-bond with Thr497, a π-π with Phe556, and a cation-π with Arg104. Similitudes and differences with the allosteric binding of 5-HT and antidepressants suggest that MDMA may have a distinctive chemotype. Thus, our models may provide a framework for future virtual screening studies and pharmaceutical design and to develop hSERT allosteric compounds with a unique psychoactive MDMA-like profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel A. Islas
- Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Estudios de Posgrado, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72592, Mexico
- Laboratory of Computational Molecular Simulations, Departamento de Farmacia, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72592, Mexico;
- Correspondence:
| | - Thomas Scior
- Laboratory of Computational Molecular Simulations, Departamento de Farmacia, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72592, Mexico;
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24
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Román V, Kedves R, Kelemen K, Némethy Z, Sperlágh B, Lendvai B, Vizi ES. Contribution of analog signaling to neurotransmitter interactions and behavior: Role of transporter-mediated nonquantal dopamine release. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e15088. [PMID: 34762352 PMCID: PMC8582292 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal networks cause changes in behaviorally important information processing through the vesicular release of neurotransmitters governed by the rate and timing of action potentials (APs). Herein, we provide evidence that dopamine (DA), nonquantally released from the cytoplasm, may exert similar effects in vivo. In mouse slice preparations, (+/-)-3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA, or ecstasy) and β-phenylethylamine (β-PEA)-induced DA release in the striatum and nucleus accumbens (NAc), two regions of the brain involved in reward-driven and social behavior and inhibited the axonal stimulation-induced release of tritiated acetylcholine ([3 H]ACh) in the striatum. The DA transporter (DAT) inhibitor (GBR-12909) prevented MDMA and β-PEA from causing DA release. GBR-12909 could also restore some of the stimulated acetylcholine release reduced by MDMA or β-PEA in the striatum confirming the fundamental role of DAT. In addition, hypothermia could prevent the β-PEA-induced release in the striatum and in the NAc. Sulpiride, a D2 receptor antagonist, also prevented the inhibitory effects of MDMA or β-PEA on stimulated ACh release, suggesting they act indirectly via binding of DA. Reflecting the neurochemical interactions in brain slices at higher system level, MDMA altered the social behavior of rats by preferentially enhancing passive social behavior. Similar to the in vitro effects, GBR-12909 treatment reversed specific elements of the MDMA-induced changes in behavior, such as passive social behavior, while left others including social play unchanged. The changes in behavior by the high level of extracellular DA-- a significant amount originating from cytoplasmic release--suggest that in addition to digital computation through synapses, the brain also uses analog communication, such as DA signaling, to mediate some elements of complex behaviors, but in a much longer time scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Román
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety ResearchGedeon Richter Plc.BudapestHungary
| | - Rita Kedves
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety ResearchGedeon Richter Plc.BudapestHungary
| | - Kristóf Kelemen
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety ResearchGedeon Richter Plc.BudapestHungary
| | - Zsolt Némethy
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety ResearchGedeon Richter Plc.BudapestHungary
| | | | - Balázs Lendvai
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety ResearchGedeon Richter Plc.BudapestHungary
| | - E. Sylvester Vizi
- Institute of Experimental MedicineBudapestHungary
- Department of Pharmacology and PharmacotherapySemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
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25
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Regan A, Margolis S, de Wit H, Lyubomirsky S. Does ±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) induce subjective feelings of social connection in humans? A multilevel meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258849. [PMID: 34695117 PMCID: PMC8544845 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a psychostimulant known for producing positive subjective effects and for enhancing social functioning and social connection in both clinical and recreational settings. Over the past two decades, scientists have begun to study the psychological effects of MDMA through rigorous placebo-controlled experimental work. However, most existing studies have small Ns, and the average sizes of the reported effects are unknown, creating uncertainty about the impact of these findings. The goal of the present study was to quantify the strength of MDMA's effects on self-reported social connection by aggregating sociability-related outcomes across multiple placebo-controlled studies. To this end, we conducted a multilevel meta-analysis based on 27 studies, 54 effect sizes, and a total of 592 participants. The results revealed a moderate-to-large effect (d = 0.86; 95% CI [0.68, 1.04]; r = .39; 95% CI [.32, .46]) of MDMA on self-reported sociability-related outcomes (e.g., feeling loving, talkative, and friendly). Given the magnitude of its effect on felt sociability, we propose that MDMA may have powerful implications for a variety of social contexts and for clinical settings, in particular. Finally, we discuss potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between MDMA and sociability-related feelings, as well as future directions for experimental work in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Regan
- Department of Psychology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Seth Margolis
- Department of Psychology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Harriet de Wit
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Sonja Lyubomirsky
- Department of Psychology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States of America
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26
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Thomas AM, Cargile KJ, Lunn JA, Baker LE. Characterization of 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone discrimination in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Behav Pharmacol 2021; 32:524-532. [PMID: 34397448 PMCID: PMC8371744 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), one of several synthetic cathinones, is a popular constituent of illicit 'bath salts'. In preclinical studies utilizing drug discrimination methods with male rodents, MDPV has been characterized as similar to both cocaine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-hydrochloride (MDMA). Whereas few drug discrimination studies have utilized female rats, the current study evaluated the discriminative stimulus effects of MDPV in 12 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats trained to discriminate 0.5 mg/kg MDPV from saline under a fixed ratio 20 schedule of food reinforcement. Stimulus substitution was assessed with MDPV and its enantiomers, other synthetic cathinones [alpha pyrrolidinopentiophenone-hydrochloride(α-PVP), 4-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC)], other dopamine agonists (cocaine, [+)-methamphetamine] and serotonin agonists [MDMA, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)] Stimulus antagonism was assessed with the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, Sch 23390 and the D2 receptor antagonist, haloperidol. Cocaine and (+)-methamphetamine engendered full stimulus generalization to MDPV with minimal effects on response rate. LSD produced partial substitution, whereas MDMA and 4-MMC produced complete substitution, and all these serotonergic compounds produced dose-dependent response suppression. (S)-MDPV and α-PVP engendered full substitution with similar potency to the racemate, while (R)-MDPV failed to substitute up to 5 mg/kg. Both Sch 23390 and haloperidol attenuated the discrimination of low MDPV doses and essentially shifted the dose-response curve to the right but failed to block discrimination of the training dose. These findings are generally consistent with previous reports based exclusively on male rodents. Moreover, they confirm the contribution of dopaminergic mechanisms but do not rule out the possible contribution of other neurotransmitter actions to the interoceptive stimulus effects of MDPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Thomas
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
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27
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Christoffel DJ, Walsh JJ, Hoerbelt P, Heifets BD, Llorach P, Lopez RC, Ramakrishnan C, Deisseroth K, Malenka RC. Selective filtering of excitatory inputs to nucleus accumbens by dopamine and serotonin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2106648118. [PMID: 34103400 PMCID: PMC8214692 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2106648118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The detailed mechanisms by which dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) act in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) to influence motivated behaviors in distinct ways remain largely unknown. Here, we examined whether DA and 5-HT selectively modulate excitatory synaptic transmission in NAc medium spiny neurons in an input-specific manner. DA reduced excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) generated by paraventricular thalamus (PVT) inputs but not by ventral hippocampus (vHip), basolateral amygdala (BLA), or medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) inputs. In contrast, 5-HT reduced EPSCs generated by inputs from all areas except the mPFC. Release of endogenous DA and 5-HT by methamphetamine (METH) and (±)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), respectively, recapitulated these input-specific synaptic effects. Optogenetic inhibition of PVT inputs enhanced cocaine-conditioned place preference, whereas mPFC input inhibition reduced the enhancement of sociability elicited by MDMA. These findings suggest that the distinct, input-specific filtering of excitatory inputs in the NAc by DA and 5-HT contribute to their discrete behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Christoffel
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Jessica J Walsh
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Paul Hoerbelt
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Boris D Heifets
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Pierre Llorach
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Ricardo C Lopez
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | | | - Karl Deisseroth
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- HHMI, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Robert C Malenka
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305;
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28
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Latimer D, Stocker MD, Sayers K, Green J, Kaye AM, Abd-Elsayed A, Cornett EM, Kaye AD, Varrassi G, Viswanath O, Urits I. MDMA to Treat PTSD in Adults. Psychopharmacol Bull 2021; 51:125-149. [PMID: 34421149 PMCID: PMC8374929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become one of the most common psychiatric diagnosis in the United States specifically within the veteran population. The current treatment options for this debilitating diagnosis include trauma-focused psychotherapies along with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI).1 MDMA has recently been shown as a novel therapeutic agent with promisingly results in the treatment of PTSD. MDMA is a psychoactive compound traditionally categorized as a psychedelic amphetamine that deemed a Schedule I controlled substance in the 1980s. Prior to its status as a controlled substance, it was used by psychotherapists for an array of psychiatric issues. In more recent times, MDMA has resurfaced as a potential therapy for PTSD and the data produced from randomized, controlled trials back the desire for MDMA to be utilized as an effective pharmacologic therapy in conjunction with psychotherapy.2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin Latimer
- Latimer, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine in Baton Rouge. Michael D. Stocker, Kia Sayers, Louisiana State University New Orleans School of Medicine. Green, Visions Adolescent Treatment Center, Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles, CA. Adam M. Kaye, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Stockton, CA. Alaa Abd-Elsayed, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Madison, WI. Elyse M. Cornett, Alan D. Kaye, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA. Varrassi, Paolo Procacci Foundation, Via Tacito 7, Roma, Italy. Viswanath, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ; Creighton University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Omaha, NE; Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants-Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ. Ivan Urits, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; Southcoast Health, Southcoast Health Physicians Group Pain Medicine, Wareham, MA
| | - Michael D Stocker
- Latimer, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine in Baton Rouge. Michael D. Stocker, Kia Sayers, Louisiana State University New Orleans School of Medicine. Green, Visions Adolescent Treatment Center, Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles, CA. Adam M. Kaye, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Stockton, CA. Alaa Abd-Elsayed, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Madison, WI. Elyse M. Cornett, Alan D. Kaye, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA. Varrassi, Paolo Procacci Foundation, Via Tacito 7, Roma, Italy. Viswanath, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ; Creighton University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Omaha, NE; Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants-Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ. Ivan Urits, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; Southcoast Health, Southcoast Health Physicians Group Pain Medicine, Wareham, MA
| | - Kia Sayers
- Latimer, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine in Baton Rouge. Michael D. Stocker, Kia Sayers, Louisiana State University New Orleans School of Medicine. Green, Visions Adolescent Treatment Center, Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles, CA. Adam M. Kaye, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Stockton, CA. Alaa Abd-Elsayed, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Madison, WI. Elyse M. Cornett, Alan D. Kaye, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA. Varrassi, Paolo Procacci Foundation, Via Tacito 7, Roma, Italy. Viswanath, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ; Creighton University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Omaha, NE; Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants-Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ. Ivan Urits, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; Southcoast Health, Southcoast Health Physicians Group Pain Medicine, Wareham, MA
| | - Jackson Green
- Latimer, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine in Baton Rouge. Michael D. Stocker, Kia Sayers, Louisiana State University New Orleans School of Medicine. Green, Visions Adolescent Treatment Center, Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles, CA. Adam M. Kaye, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Stockton, CA. Alaa Abd-Elsayed, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Madison, WI. Elyse M. Cornett, Alan D. Kaye, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA. Varrassi, Paolo Procacci Foundation, Via Tacito 7, Roma, Italy. Viswanath, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ; Creighton University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Omaha, NE; Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants-Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ. Ivan Urits, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; Southcoast Health, Southcoast Health Physicians Group Pain Medicine, Wareham, MA
| | - Adam M Kaye
- Latimer, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine in Baton Rouge. Michael D. Stocker, Kia Sayers, Louisiana State University New Orleans School of Medicine. Green, Visions Adolescent Treatment Center, Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles, CA. Adam M. Kaye, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Stockton, CA. Alaa Abd-Elsayed, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Madison, WI. Elyse M. Cornett, Alan D. Kaye, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA. Varrassi, Paolo Procacci Foundation, Via Tacito 7, Roma, Italy. Viswanath, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ; Creighton University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Omaha, NE; Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants-Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ. Ivan Urits, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; Southcoast Health, Southcoast Health Physicians Group Pain Medicine, Wareham, MA
| | - Alaa Abd-Elsayed
- Latimer, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine in Baton Rouge. Michael D. Stocker, Kia Sayers, Louisiana State University New Orleans School of Medicine. Green, Visions Adolescent Treatment Center, Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles, CA. Adam M. Kaye, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Stockton, CA. Alaa Abd-Elsayed, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Madison, WI. Elyse M. Cornett, Alan D. Kaye, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA. Varrassi, Paolo Procacci Foundation, Via Tacito 7, Roma, Italy. Viswanath, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ; Creighton University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Omaha, NE; Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants-Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ. Ivan Urits, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; Southcoast Health, Southcoast Health Physicians Group Pain Medicine, Wareham, MA
| | - Elyse M Cornett
- Latimer, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine in Baton Rouge. Michael D. Stocker, Kia Sayers, Louisiana State University New Orleans School of Medicine. Green, Visions Adolescent Treatment Center, Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles, CA. Adam M. Kaye, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Stockton, CA. Alaa Abd-Elsayed, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Madison, WI. Elyse M. Cornett, Alan D. Kaye, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA. Varrassi, Paolo Procacci Foundation, Via Tacito 7, Roma, Italy. Viswanath, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ; Creighton University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Omaha, NE; Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants-Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ. Ivan Urits, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; Southcoast Health, Southcoast Health Physicians Group Pain Medicine, Wareham, MA
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Latimer, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine in Baton Rouge. Michael D. Stocker, Kia Sayers, Louisiana State University New Orleans School of Medicine. Green, Visions Adolescent Treatment Center, Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles, CA. Adam M. Kaye, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Stockton, CA. Alaa Abd-Elsayed, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Madison, WI. Elyse M. Cornett, Alan D. Kaye, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA. Varrassi, Paolo Procacci Foundation, Via Tacito 7, Roma, Italy. Viswanath, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ; Creighton University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Omaha, NE; Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants-Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ. Ivan Urits, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; Southcoast Health, Southcoast Health Physicians Group Pain Medicine, Wareham, MA
| | - Giustino Varrassi
- Latimer, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine in Baton Rouge. Michael D. Stocker, Kia Sayers, Louisiana State University New Orleans School of Medicine. Green, Visions Adolescent Treatment Center, Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles, CA. Adam M. Kaye, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Stockton, CA. Alaa Abd-Elsayed, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Madison, WI. Elyse M. Cornett, Alan D. Kaye, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA. Varrassi, Paolo Procacci Foundation, Via Tacito 7, Roma, Italy. Viswanath, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ; Creighton University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Omaha, NE; Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants-Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ. Ivan Urits, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; Southcoast Health, Southcoast Health Physicians Group Pain Medicine, Wareham, MA
| | - Omar Viswanath
- Latimer, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine in Baton Rouge. Michael D. Stocker, Kia Sayers, Louisiana State University New Orleans School of Medicine. Green, Visions Adolescent Treatment Center, Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles, CA. Adam M. Kaye, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Stockton, CA. Alaa Abd-Elsayed, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Madison, WI. Elyse M. Cornett, Alan D. Kaye, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA. Varrassi, Paolo Procacci Foundation, Via Tacito 7, Roma, Italy. Viswanath, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ; Creighton University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Omaha, NE; Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants-Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ. Ivan Urits, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; Southcoast Health, Southcoast Health Physicians Group Pain Medicine, Wareham, MA
| | - Ivan Urits
- Latimer, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine in Baton Rouge. Michael D. Stocker, Kia Sayers, Louisiana State University New Orleans School of Medicine. Green, Visions Adolescent Treatment Center, Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles, CA. Adam M. Kaye, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Stockton, CA. Alaa Abd-Elsayed, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Madison, WI. Elyse M. Cornett, Alan D. Kaye, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA. Varrassi, Paolo Procacci Foundation, Via Tacito 7, Roma, Italy. Viswanath, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ; Creighton University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Omaha, NE; Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants-Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ. Ivan Urits, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA; Southcoast Health, Southcoast Health Physicians Group Pain Medicine, Wareham, MA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") is used both recreationally and therapeutically. Little is known about the factors influencing inter- and intra-individual differences in the acute response to MDMA. Effects of other psychoactive substances have been shown to be critically influenced by personality traits and mood state before intake. METHODS We pooled data from 10 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over studies performed in the same laboratory in 194 healthy subjects receiving doses of 75 or 125mg of MDMA. We investigated the influence of drug dose, body weight, sex, age, drug pre-experience, genetics, personality and mental state before drug intake on the acute physiological and psychological response to MDMA. RESULTS In univariable analyses, the MDMA plasma concentration was the strongest predictor for most outcome variables. When adjusting for dose per body weight, we found that (a) a higher activity of the enzyme CYP2D6 predicted lower MDMA plasma concentration, (b) a higher score in the personality trait "openness to experience" predicted more perceived "closeness", a stronger decrease in "general inactivation", and higher scores in the 5D-ASC (5 Dimensions of Altered States of Consciousness Questionnaire) scales "oceanic boundlessness" and "visionary restructuralization", and (c) subjects with high "neuroticism" or trait anxiety were more likely to have unpleasant and/or anxious reactions. CONCLUSIONS Although MDMA plasma concentration was the strongest predictor, several personality traits and mood state variables additionally explained variance in the response to MDMA. The results confirm that both pharmacological and non-pharmacological variables influence the response to MDMA. These findings may be relevant for the therapeutic use of MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erich Studerus
- Division of Personality and
Developmental Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Vizeli
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology
and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Harder
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology
and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laura Ley
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology
and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology
and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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30
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Müller F, Holze F, Dolder P, Ley L, Vizeli P, Soltermann A, Liechti ME, Borgwardt S. MDMA-induced changes in within-network connectivity contradict the specificity of these alterations for the effects of serotonergic hallucinogens. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:545-553. [PMID: 33219313 PMCID: PMC8027447 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00906-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
It has been reported that serotonergic hallucinogens like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) induce decreases in functional connectivity within various resting-state networks. These alterations were seen as reflecting specific neuronal effects of hallucinogens and it was speculated that these shifts in connectivity underlie the characteristic subjective drug effects. In this study, we test the hypothesis that these alterations are not specific for hallucinogens but that they can be induced by monoaminergic stimulation using the non-hallucinogenic serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine releasing agent 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover design, 45 healthy participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) following oral administration of 125 mg MDMA. The networks under question were identified using independent component analysis (ICA) and were tested with regard to within-network connectivity. Results revealed decreased connectivity within two visual networks, the default mode network (DMN), and the sensorimotor network. These findings were almost identical to the results previously reported for hallucinogenic drugs. Therefore, our results suggest that monoaminergic substances can induce widespread changes in within-network connectivity in the absence of marked subjective drug effects. This contradicts the notion that these alterations can be regarded as specific for serotonergic hallucinogens. However, changes within the DMN might explain antidepressants effects of some of these substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Müller
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, 4002, Switzerland.
| | - Friederike Holze
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, 4031, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Dolder
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, 4031, Switzerland
| | - Laura Ley
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, 4031, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Vizeli
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, 4031, Switzerland
| | - Alain Soltermann
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, 4002, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, 4031, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Borgwardt
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, 4002, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, 23538, Germany
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31
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Cocchi V, Gasperini S, Hrelia P, Tirri M, Marti M, Lenzi M. Novel Psychoactive Phenethylamines: Impact on Genetic Material. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249616. [PMID: 33348640 PMCID: PMC7766159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychedelic and stimulating phenethylamines belong to the family of new psychoactive substances (NPS). The acute toxicity framework has begun to be investigated, while studies showing genotoxic potential are very limited or not available. Therefore, in order to fill this gap, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the genotoxicity by treating TK6 cells with 2C-H, 2C-I, 2C-B, 25B-NBOMe, and the popular 3,4-Methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA). On the basis of cytotoxicity and cytostasis results, we selected the concentrations (6.25–35 µM) to be used in genotoxicity analysis. We used the micronucleus (MN) as indicator of genetic damage and analyzed the MNi frequency fold increase by an automated flow cytometric protocol. All substances, except MDMA, resulted genotoxic; therefore, we evaluated reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction as a possible mechanism at the basis of the demonstrated genotoxicity. The obtained results showed a statistically significant increase in ROS levels for all genotoxic phenethylamines confirming this hypothesis. Our results highlight the importance of genotoxicity evaluation for a complete assessment of the risk associated also with NPS exposure. Indeed, the subjects who do not have hazardous behaviors or require hospitalization by using active but still “safe” doses could run into genotoxicity and in the well-known long-term effects associated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Cocchi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (V.C.); (S.G.); (M.L.)
| | - Sofia Gasperini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (V.C.); (S.G.); (M.L.)
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (V.C.); (S.G.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.T.); (M.M.)
- Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monia Lenzi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (V.C.); (S.G.); (M.L.)
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32
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Mootz JRK, Miner NB, Phillips TJ. Differential genetic risk for methamphetamine intake confers differential sensitivity to the temperature-altering effects of other addictive drugs. Genes Brain Behav 2020; 19:e12640. [PMID: 31925906 PMCID: PMC7286770 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Mice selectively bred for high methamphetamine (MA) drinking (MAHDR), compared with mice bred for low MA drinking (MALDR), exhibit greater sensitivity to MA reward and insensitivity to aversive and hypothermic effects of MA. Previous work identified the trace amine-associated receptor 1 gene (Taar1) as a quantitative trait gene for MA intake that also impacts thermal response to MA. All MAHDR mice are homozygous for the mutant Taar1 m1J allele, whereas all MALDR mice possess at least one copy of the reference Taar1 + allele. To determine if their differential sensitivity to MA-induced hypothermia extends to drugs of similar and different classes, we examined sensitivity to the hypothermic effect of the stimulant cocaine, the amphetamine-like substance 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and the opioid morphine in these lines. The lines did not differ in thermal response to cocaine, only MALDR mice exhibited a hypothermic response to MDMA, and MAHDR mice were more sensitive to the hypothermic effect of morphine than MALDR mice. We speculated that the μ-opioid receptor gene (Oprm1) impacts morphine response, and genotyped the mice tested for morphine-induced hypothermia. We report genetic linkage between Taar1 and Oprm1; MAHDR mice more often inherit the Oprm1 D2 allele and MALDR mice more often inherit the Oprm1 B6 allele. Data from a family of recombinant inbred mouse strains support the influence of Oprm1 genotype, but not Taar1 genotype, on thermal response to morphine. These results nominate Oprm1 as a genetic risk factor for morphine-induced hypothermia, and provide additional evidence for a connection between drug preference and drug thermal response.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R K Mootz
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Nicholas B Miner
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Tamara J Phillips
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Division of Research, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon
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33
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Heifets BD, Salgado JS, Taylor MD, Hoerbelt P, Cardozo Pinto DF, Steinberg EE, Walsh JJ, Sze JY, Malenka RC. Distinct neural mechanisms for the prosocial and rewarding properties of MDMA. Sci Transl Med 2019; 11:eaaw6435. [PMID: 31826983 PMCID: PMC7123941 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaw6435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The extensively abused recreational drug (±)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has shown promise as an adjunct to psychotherapy for treatment-resistant psychiatric disease. It is unknown, however, whether the mechanisms underlying its prosocial therapeutic effects and abuse potential are distinct. We modeled both the prosocial and nonsocial drug reward of MDMA in mice and investigated the mechanism of these processes using brain region-specific pharmacology, transgenic manipulations, electrophysiology, and in vivo calcium imaging. We demonstrate in mice that MDMA acting at the serotonin transporter within the nucleus accumbens is necessary and sufficient for MDMA's prosocial effect. MDMA's acute rewarding properties, in contrast, require dopaminergic signaling. MDMA's prosocial effect requires 5-HT1b receptor activation and is mimicked by d-fenfluramine, a selective serotonin-releasing compound. By dissociating the mechanisms of MDMA's prosocial effects from its addictive properties, we provide evidence for a conserved neuronal pathway, which can be leveraged to develop novel therapeutics with limited abuse liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris D Heifets
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Juliana S Salgado
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Madison D Taylor
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Paul Hoerbelt
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Daniel F Cardozo Pinto
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Steinberg
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jessica J Walsh
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ji Y Sze
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Rose F. Kennedy Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Robert C Malenka
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Frankowska M, Miszkiel J, Pomierny-Chamioło L, Pomierny B, Borelli AC, Suder A, Filip M. Extinction training following cocaine or MDMA self-administration produces discrete changes in D 2-like and mGlu 5 receptor density in the rat brain. Pharmacol Rep 2019; 71:870-878. [PMID: 31408786 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies strongly support the role of the dopamine D2-like and glutamate mGlu5 receptors in psychostimulant reward and relapse. METHODS The present study employed cocaine or MDMA self-administration with yoked-triad procedure in rats to explore whether extinction training affects the drug-seeking behavior and the D2-like and mGlu5 receptor Bmax and Kd values in several regions of the animal brain. RESULTS Both cocaine and MDMA rats developed maintenance of self-administration, but MDMA evoked lower response rates and speed of self-administration acquisition. During reinstatement tests, cocaine or MDMA seeking behavior was produced by either exposure to the drug-associated cues or drug-priming injections. The extinction training after cocaine self-administration did not alter significantly D2-like receptor expression the in the limbic and subcortical brain areas, while MDMA yoked rats showed a decrease of the D2-like binding density in the nucleus accumbens and increase in the hippocampus and a rise of affinity in the striatum and hippocampus. Interestingly, in the prefrontal cortex a reduction in the mGlu5 receptor density in cocaine- or MDMA-abstinent rats was demonstrated, with significant effects being observed after previous MDMA exposure. Moreover, rats self-administered cocaine showed a rise in the density of mGlu5 receptor for the nucleus accumbens. CONCLUSION This study first time shows that abstinence followed extinction training after cocaine or MDMA self- or passive-injections changes the D2-like and mGlu5 density and affinity. The observed changes in the expression of both receptors are brain-region specific and related to either pharmacological and/or motivational features of cocaine or MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Frankowska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Joanna Miszkiel
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Kraków, Poland
| | - Lucyna Pomierny-Chamioło
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum, Kraków, Poland
| | - Bartosz Pomierny
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Agata Suder
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Filip
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Kraków, Poland
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35
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Schiavone S, Neri M, Maffione AB, Frisoni P, Morgese MG, Trabace L, Turillazzi E. Increased iNOS and Nitrosative Stress in Dopaminergic Neurons of MDMA-Exposed Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20051242. [PMID: 30871034 PMCID: PMC6429174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Several mechanisms underlying 3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) neurotoxicity have been proposed, including neurochemical alterations and excitotoxicity mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). However, ROS, NO, and RNS sources in the brain are not fully known. We aimed to investigate possible alterations in the expression of the ROS producer NOX enzymes (NOX2, NOX1, and NOX4), NO generators (iNOS, eNOS, and nNOS), markers of oxidative (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, 8OHdG), and nitrosative (3-nitrotyrosine, NT) stress, as well as the colocalization between cells positive for the dopamine transporter (DT1) and cells expressing the neuronal nuclei (NeuN) marker, in the frontal cortex of rats receiving saline or MDMA, sacrificed 6 h, 16 h, or 24 h after its administration. MDMA did not affect NOX2, NOX1, and NOX4 immunoreactivity, whereas iNOS expression was enhanced. The number of NT-positive cells was increased in MDMA-exposed animals, whereas no differences were detected in 8OHdG expression among experimental groups. MDMA and NT markers colocalized with DT1 positive cells. DT1 immunostaining was found in NeuN-positive stained cells. Virtually no colocalization was observed with microglia and astrocytes. Moreover, MDMA immunostaining was not found in NOX2-positive cells. Our results suggest that iNOS-derived nitrosative stress, but not NOX enzymes, may have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of MDMA-induced neurotoxicity, highlighting the specificity of different enzymatic systems in the development of neuropathological alterations induced by the abuse of this psychoactive compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Schiavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 20, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Margherita Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, 70, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Angela Bruna Maffione
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 20, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Paolo Frisoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, 70, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Maria Grazia Morgese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 20, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 20, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Turillazzi
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Pathology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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36
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Hake HS, Davis JKP, Wood RR, Tanner MK, Loetz EC, Sanchez A, Ostrovskyy M, Oleson EB, Grigsby J, Doblin R, Greenwood BN. 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) impairs the extinction and reconsolidation of fear memory in rats. Physiol Behav 2019; 199:343-350. [PMID: 30529341 PMCID: PMC6557441 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Clinical trials have demonstrated that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) paired with psychotherapy is more effective at reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy, alone or in combination. The processes through which MDMA acts to enhance psychotherapy are not well understood. Given that fear memories contribute to PTSD symptomology, MDMA could augment psychotherapy by targeting fear memories. The current studies investigated the effects of a single administration of MDMA on extinction and reconsolidation of cued and contextual fear memory in adult, male Long-Evans rats. Rats were exposed to contextual or auditory fear conditioning followed by systemic administration of saline or varying doses of MDMA (between 1 and 10 mg/kg) either 30 min before fear extinction training or immediately after brief fear memory retrieval (i.e. during the reconsolidation phase). MDMA administered prior to fear extinction training failed to enhance fear extinction memory, and in fact impaired drug-free cued fear extinction recall without impacting later fear relapse. MDMA administered during the reconsolidation phase, but not outside of the reconsolidation phase, produced a delayed and persistent reduction in conditioned fear. These findings are consistent with a general memory-disrupting effect of MDMA and suggest that MDMA could augment psychotherapy by modifying fear memories during reconsolidation without necessarily enhancing their extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly S Hake
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, PO Box 173364, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA.
| | - Jazmyne K P Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, PO Box 173364, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA.
| | - River R Wood
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, PO Box 173364, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA.
| | - Margaret K Tanner
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, PO Box 173364, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA.
| | - Esteban C Loetz
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, PO Box 173364, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA.
| | - Anais Sanchez
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, PO Box 173364, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA.
| | - Mykola Ostrovskyy
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, PO Box 173364, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA.
| | - Erik B Oleson
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, PO Box 173364, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA.
| | - Jim Grigsby
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, PO Box 173364, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Rick Doblin
- Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, 1115 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-9989, USA
| | - Benjamin N Greenwood
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, PO Box 173364, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA.
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Abstract
Better known as "ecstasy", 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a small molecule that has played a prominent role in defining the ethos of today's teenagers and young adults, much like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) did in the 1960s. Though MDMA possesses structural similarities to compounds like amphetamine and mescaline, it produces subjective effects that are unlike any of the classical psychostimulants or hallucinogens and is one of the few compounds capable of reliably producing prosocial behavioral states. As a result, MDMA has captured the attention of recreational users, the media, artists, psychiatrists, and neuropharmacologists alike. Here, we detail the synthesis of MDMA as well as its pharmacology, metabolism, adverse effects, and potential use in medicine. Finally, we discuss its history and why it is perhaps the most important compound for the future of psychedelic science-having the potential to either facilitate new psychedelic research initiatives, or to usher in a second Dark Age for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee E Dunlap
- Department of Chemistry , University of California, Davis , One Shields Avenue , Davis , California 95616 , United States
| | - Anne M Andrews
- Departments of Psychiatry and Chemistry & Biochemistry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, and Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology , University of California , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
| | - David E Olson
- Department of Chemistry , University of California, Davis , One Shields Avenue , Davis , California 95616 , United States
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine , University of California, Davis , 2700 Stockton Blvd, Suite 2102 , Sacramento , California 95817 , United States
- Center for Neuroscience , University of California, Davis , 1544 Newton Ct , Davis , California 95616 , United States
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Nilchi S, Behdarvand D, Lavasani H, Rouini M, H Ardakani Y. Assessment of CYP2D6 re-activation after inhibitory effect of MDMA using tramadol as a probe. Drug Metab Pers Ther 2018; 33:119-125. [PMID: 30070095 DOI: 10.1515/dmpt-2017-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
In recent years, the use of tramadol as a probe drug for human cytochrome p450 2D6 (CYP2D6) has been investigated. The objective of this study was to assess the recovery of rat CYP2D1 enzymatic activity after mechanism-based inhibition induced by a single dose of ecstasy (MDMA, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) and evaluation of the tramadol ability as a probe drug. CYP2D1 is orthologous in rats to human CYP2D6 and was employed in the current study.
Methods
A total of 16 male rats were selected and divided into control and treatment groups. The control group did not receive MDMA, while rats in the treatment group received a single dose of MDMA (1 mg/kg) and were subsequently divided into groups that were tested at 1 h, 10 days or 30 days post-administration. The rats were subjected to liver perfusion with Krebs-Heinslet buffer containing tramadol for 60 min and the tramadol and M1 levels were determined by HPLC-fluorescence.
Results
The enzymatic activity of CYP2D1 for the 1-h group decreased significantly when compared with the control group (p<0.05). Moreover, enzymatic activity increased non-significantly in the 10- and 30-day groups in comparison with the control group. The concentration and AUC0−60 of tramadol increased in the 1-h and 10-day groups when compared with the control group but decreased in the 30-day group; however, none of these changes was statistically significant (p>0.05). The M1 metabolic ratio in the 1-h group decreased significantly when compared with the control group (p<0.05). The M1 metabolic ratio of the 10-day group increased and of the 30-day group decreased, but neither of these changes were significant.
Conclusions
Regardless of the genotype, the enzymatic activity of rat CYP2D1 recovered by 10 days post-administration of MDMA. It appears that tramadol, irrespective of its stereoselectivity, is not able to appraise rat hepatic CYP2D1 activity. It can be extrapolated that tramadol is a not suitable probe drug for human hepatic CYP2D1 because CYP2D1 in rats is orthologous to human CYP2D6. Further animal and human studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahin Nilchi
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, The Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Davood Behdarvand
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences - Pharmaceutics, Tehran, The Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Hoda Lavasani
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences - Pharmaceutics, Tehran, The Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Rouini
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences - Pharmaceutics, Tehran, The Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Yalda H Ardakani
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences - Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Enghelab Square, Tehran 1998754611, The Islamic Republic of Iran
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Yang KC, Takano A, Halldin C, Farde L, Finnema SJ. Serotonin concentration enhancers at clinically relevant doses reduce [ 11C]AZ10419369 binding to the 5-HT 1B receptors in the nonhuman primate brain. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:132. [PMID: 30013068 PMCID: PMC6048172 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0178-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The serotonin (5-HT) system plays an important role in the pathophysiology and treatment of several major psychiatric disorders. Currently, no suitable positron emission tomography (PET) imaging paradigm is available to assess 5-HT release in the living human brain. [11C]AZ10419369 binds to 5-HT1B receptors and is one of the most 5-HT-sensitive radioligands available. This study applied 5-HT concentration enhancers which can be safely studied in humans, and examined their effect on [11C]AZ10419369 binding at clinically relevant doses, including amphetamine (1 mg/kg), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 1 mg/kg) or 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP; 5 mg/kg). Twenty-six PET measurements (14 for amphetamine, 6 for MDMA and 6 for 5-HTP) using a bolus and constant infusion protocol were performed in four cynomolgus monkeys before or after drug administration. Binding potential (BPND) values were determined with the equilibrium method (integral interval: 63-123 min) using cerebellum as the reference region. BPND values were significantly decreased in several examined brain regions after administration of amphetamine (range: 19-31%), MDMA (16-25%) or 5-HTP (13-31%). Reductions in [11C]AZ10419369 binding were greater in striatum than cortical regions after administration of 5-HTP, while no prominent regional differences were found for amphetamine and MDMA. In conclusion, [11C]AZ10419369 binding is sensitive to changes in 5-HT concentration induced by amphetamine, MDMA or 5-HTP. The robust changes in BPND, following pretreatment drugs administered at clinically relevant doses, indicate that the applied PET imaging paradigms hold promise to be successfully used in future human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Chun Yang
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatric Research, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Akihiro Takano
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatric Research, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christer Halldin
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatric Research, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Farde
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatric Research, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Personalized Health Care and Biomarkers, AstraZeneca PET Science Center at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sjoerd J Finnema
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatric Research, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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40
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Klega AE, Keehbauch JT. Stimulant and Designer Drug Use: Primary Care Management. Am Fam Physician 2018; 98:85-92. [PMID: 30215997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 10% of the U.S. population 12 years and older reported using illicit substances in 2015. This article reviews the clinical effects and treatment of persons who use cocaine, methamphetamines, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), synthetic cannabinoids, and synthetic cathinones ("bath salts"). Cocaine blocks the reuptake of the monoamine transporters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Immediate clinical effects include increased energy and euphoria, as well as hypertension and arrhythmias. Acute myocardial infarction, seizures, hallucinations, hyperthermia, and movement disorders are among the possible adverse effects. Like cocaine, methamphetamine blocks reuptake of monoamine transporters, but also stimulates dopamine release and has a longer duration of action. Methamphetamine misuse is associated with severe dental problems. MDMA is a stimulant and psychedelic with a chemical structure similar to serotonin. Adverse effects include serotonin syndrome, hyponatremia, long-term memory impairment, and mood disorders. Synthetic cannabinoids can have a more intense and long-lasting effect than natural cannabis. Acute intoxication may cause severe cardiac and respiratory complications and seizures. Synthetic cathinones are marketed as cheap substitutes for other stimulants. Their effects are similar to those of other stimulants, and they are addictive. Psychosocial intervention is the main form of treatment for addiction to these substances. Promising therapies include disulfiram and substitution therapy for cocaine misuse disorders, and mirtazapine for methamphetamine use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann E Klega
- Florida Hospital Family Medicine Residency, Winter Park, FL, USA
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41
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Curry DW, Young MB, Tran AN, Daoud GE, Howell LL. Separating the agony from ecstasy: R(-)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine has prosocial and therapeutic-like effects without signs of neurotoxicity in mice. Neuropharmacology 2018; 128:196-206. [PMID: 28993129 PMCID: PMC5714650 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
S,R(+/-)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (SR-MDMA) is an amphetamine derivative with prosocial and putative therapeutic effects. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating it as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions. However, its potential for adverse effects such as hyperthermia and neurotoxicity may limit its clinical viability. We investigated the hypothesis that one of the two enantiomers of SR-MDMA, R-MDMA, would retain the prosocial and therapeutic effects but with fewer adverse effects. Using male Swiss Webster and C57BL/6 mice, the prosocial effects of R-MDMA were measured using a social interaction test, and the therapeutic-like effects were assessed using a Pavlovian fear conditioning and extinction paradigm relevant to PTSD. Locomotor activity and body temperature were tracked after administration, and neurotoxicity was evaluated post-mortem. R-MDMA significantly increased murine social interaction and facilitated extinction of conditioned freezing. Yet, unlike racemic MDMA, it did not increase locomotor activity, produce signs of neurotoxicity, or increase body temperature. A key pharmacological difference between R-MDMA and racemic MDMA is that R-MDMA has much lower potency as a dopamine releaser. Pretreatment with a selective dopamine D1 receptor antagonist prevented SR-MDMA-induced hyperthermia, suggesting that differential dopamine signaling may explain some of the observed differences between the treatments. Together, these results indicate that the prosocial and therapeutic effects of SR-MDMA may be separable from the stimulant, thermogenic, and potential neurotoxic effects. To what extent these findings translate to humans will require further investigation, but these data suggest that R-MDMA could be a more viable therapeutic option for the treatment of PTSD and other disorders for which SR-MDMA is currently being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Curry
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Matthew B Young
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Andrew N Tran
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Georges E Daoud
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Leonard L Howell
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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42
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Dolan SB, Forster MJ, Gatch MB. Discriminative stimulus and locomotor effects of para-substituted and benzofuran analogs of amphetamine. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 180:39-45. [PMID: 28865391 PMCID: PMC6463889 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Novel psychoactive substances have maintained a prominent role in the global drug culture, despite increased regulation by governing bodies. Novel compounds continue to become available on the market, often in "Ecstasy" or "Molly" formulations in lieu of MDMA, at a much faster rate than they can be properly characterized. The current study aimed to investigate the discriminative stimulus and locomotor effects of three putatively entactogenic compounds that have become increasingly prevalent on the drug market: 5-(2-aminopropyl)-benzofuran (5-APB), 6-(2-aminopropryl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (6-APDB), and 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA). Locomotor stimulant effects were assessed in an open-field assay for locomotor activity using Swiss-Webster mice. Discriminative stimulus effects were assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats trained to discriminate either cocaine, methamphetamine, DOM, or MDMA from vehicle. The benzofuran compounds produced locomotor stimulation whereas 4-FA depressed locomotor activity. The benzofurans substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of MDMA, but only partially or not at all for methamphetamine, cocaine, and DOM, whereas 4-FA fully substituted for MDMA, methamphetamine and cocaine, but not DOM. These results indicate an MDMA-like pattern of abuse might be expected for the benzofurans, whereas 4-FA may be substituted for psychostimulants and MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean B Dolan
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Center for Neuroscience Discovery, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States
| | - Michael J Forster
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Center for Neuroscience Discovery, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States
| | - Michael B Gatch
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Center for Neuroscience Discovery, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States.
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Sajadi A, Amiri I, Gharebaghi A, Komaki A, Asadbegi M, Shahidi S, Mehdizadeh M, Soleimani Asl S. Treadmill exercise alters ecstasy- induced long- term potentiation disruption in the hippocampus of male rats. Metab Brain Dis 2017; 32:1603-1607. [PMID: 28612273 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-017-0046-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy is a derivative of amphetamine that leads to long term potentiation (LTP) disruption in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). Exercise has been accepted as a treatment for the improvement of neurodegenerative disease. Herein, the effects of exercise on the MDMA- induced neurotoxicity were assessed. Male Wistar rats received intraperitoneal injection of MDMA (10 mg/kg) and exercised for one month on a treadmill (Simultaneously or asynchronously with MDMA). LTP and expression of BDNF were assessed using electrophysiology and western blotting methods, respectively. MDMA attenuated the field excitatory post-synaptic potential (fEPSP) slope in comparison with the control group, whereas treadmill exercise increased this parameter when compared to MDMA group. Furthermore, BDNF expression significantly decreased in MDMA group and treadmill exercise could increase that. In conclusion, results of this study suggest that synchronous exercise is able to improve MDMA-induced LTP changes through increase of BDNF expression in the hippocampus of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Sajadi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Iraj Amiri
- Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Endometrium and Endometriosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Gharebaghi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Asadbegi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Siamak Shahidi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mehdizadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Iran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Soleimani Asl
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
- Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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44
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Jamali B, Sheikholeslami B, Hosseinzadeh Ardakani Y, Lavasani H, Rouini MR. Evaluation of the Ecstasy influence on tramadol and its main metabolite plasma concentration in rats. Drug Metab Pers Ther 2017; 32:137-145. [PMID: 28917081 DOI: 10.1515/dmpt-2017-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tramadol is prone to be abused alone, or in combination with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy). It was reported that 95% of people with a history of substance abuse in the United States used tramadol in 2004. According to the WHO report in 2016, there was a growing number of tramadol abusers alone or in combination with psychoactive substances such as MDMA in particular in some Middle East countries. Higher concentrations of tramadol in plasma may lead to adverse drug reactions or lethal intoxication. In this study, the effect of MDMA on the pharmacokinetics of tramadol was examined in male rats. METHODS The effect of MDMA on Tmax, Cmax, area under the curve, elimination rate, and half-life of tramadol and its metabolites was examined. Two control and two treatment groups were designed. The treatment groups received MDMA 18 h before the administration of tramadol. Jugular vein blood samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescent detector to determine the concentrations of tramadol and its metabolites. Independent-sample t-test was used to define the differences between pharmacokinetic parameters of control and treatment groups. RESULTS When tramadol administered intraperitoneally, the absorption rate of this drug was reduced, and a lower Cmax (40%) with longer Tmax (eight-fold) was achieved. MDMA exerted greater inhibitory effects on cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) than on cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). The M2 metabolite ratio was reduced by half, and because of the inhibition of M2 production, the M1 plasma concentration slightly increased. CONCLUSIONS According to the obtained data, MDMA treatment affected the absorption, distribution and metabolism phases of tramadol. This treatment increased the concentration of tramadol if administered intravenously and can latent the absorption of tramadol in oral route. However, MDMA was introduced as CYP2D6 inhibitor; in this study, MDMA inhibited CYP3A4 isoenzymes as well. This finding is important for the compounds that are metabolized through CYP3A4. It can be proposed that in abusers of MDMA who only receive tramadol for medical or nonmedical purposes in short intervals, the dangers of the intravenous administration of tramadol should be considered, and if tramadol is administered orally, the desired effect may not be achieved at the routine dose.
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45
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Abstract
There has been increasing use of novel synthetic hallucinogenic compounds, 2-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine hydrochloride (25B-NBOMe), 2-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine hydrochloride (25C-NBOMe), 2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine hydrochloride (25I-NBOMe), and N,N-diallyl-5-methoxy tryptamine (5-MeO-DALT), which have been associated with severe toxicities. These four compounds were tested for discriminative stimulus effects similar to a prototypical hallucinogen (-)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM) and the entactogen (±)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Locomotor activity in mice was tested to obtain dose range and time-course information. 25B-NBOMe, 25C-NBOMe, and 25I-NBOMe decreased locomotor activity. 5-MeO-DALT dose dependently increased locomotor activity, with a peak at 10 mg/kg. A higher dose (25 mg/kg) suppressed activity. 25B-NBOMe fully substituted (≥80%) in both DOM-trained and MDMA-trained rats at 0.5 mg/kg. However, higher doses produced much lower levels of drug-appropriate responding in both DOM-trained and MDMA-trained rats. 25C-NBOMe fully substituted in DOM-trained rats, but produced only 67% drug-appropriate responding in MDMA-trained rats at doses that suppressed responding. 25I-NBOMe produced 74-78% drug-appropriate responding in DOM-trained and MDMA-trained rats at doses that suppressed responding. 5-MeO-DALT fully substituted for DOM, but produced few or no MDMA-like effects. All of the compounds, except 25I-NBOMe, fully substituted for DOM, whereas only 25B-NBOMe fully substituted for MDMA. However, the failure of 25I-NBOMe to fully substitute for either MDMA or DOM was more likely because of its substantial rate-depressant effects than weak discriminative stimulus effects. All of the compounds are likely to attract recreational users for their hallucinogenic properties, but probably of much less interest as substitutes for MDMA. Although no acute adverse effects were observed at the doses tested, the substantial toxicities reported in humans, coupled with the high likelihood for illicit use, suggests that these compounds have the same potential for abuse as other, currently scheduled compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Gatch
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
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46
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Vizeli P, Schmid Y, Prestin K, Meyer Zu Schwabedissen HE, Liechti ME. Pharmacogenetics of ecstasy: CYP1A2, CYP2C19, and CYP2B6 polymorphisms moderate pharmacokinetics of MDMA in healthy subjects. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 27:232-238. [PMID: 28117133 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In vitro studies showed that CYP2C19, CYP2B6, and CYP1A2 contribute to the metabolism of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) to 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA). However, the role of genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C19, CYP2B6, and CYP1A2 in the metabolism of MDMA in humans is unknown. The effects of genetic variants in these CYP enzymes on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of MDMA were characterized in 139 healthy subjects (69 male, 70 female) in a pooled analysis of eight double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. MDMA-MDA conversion was positively associated with genotypes known to convey higher CYP2C19 or CYP2B6 activities. Additionally, CYP2C19 poor metabolizers showed greater cardiovascular responses to MDMA compared with other CYP2C19 genotypes. Furthermore, the maximum concentration of MDA was higher in tobacco smokers that harbored the inducible CYP1A2 rs762551 A/A genotype compared with the non-inducible C-allele carriers. The findings indicate that CYP2C19, CYP2B6, and CYP1A2 contribute to the metabolism of MDMA to MDA in humans. Additionally, genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C19 may moderate the cardiovascular toxicity of MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Vizeli
- Psychopharmacology Research, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yasmin Schmid
- Psychopharmacology Research, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Prestin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Matthias E Liechti
- Psychopharmacology Research, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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47
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Negus SS, Banks ML. Decoding the Structure of Abuse Potential for New Psychoactive Substances: Structure-Activity Relationships for Abuse-Related Effects of 4-Substituted Methcathinone Analogs. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 32:119-131. [PMID: 27696217 PMCID: PMC5425248 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many cathinone analogs act as substrates or inhibitors at dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters (DAT, NET, SERT, respectively). Drug selectivity at DAT vs. SERT is a key determinant of abuse potential for monoamine transporter substrates and inhibitors, such that potency at DAT > SERT is associated with high abuse potential, whereas potency at DAT < SERT is associated with low abuse potential. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies with a series of 4-substituted methcathinone analogs identified volume of the 4-position substituent on the methcathinone phenyl ring as one structural determinant of both DAT vs. SERT selectivity and abuse-related behavioral effects in an intracranial self-stimulation procedure in rats. Subsequent modeling studies implicated specific amino acids in DAT and SERT that might interact with 4-substituent volume to determine effects produced by this series of cathinone analogs. These studies illustrate use of QSAR analysis to investigate pharmacology of cathinones and function of monoamine transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Stevens Negus
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Matthew L Banks
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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48
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Schenk S, Aronsen D. Contribution of Impulsivity and Serotonin Receptor Neuroadaptations to the Development of an MDMA ('Ecstasy') Substance Use Disorder. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 34:17-32. [PMID: 26718587 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2015_421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
As is the case with other drugs of abuse, a proportion of ecstasy users develop symptoms consistent with a substance use disorder (SUD). In this paper, we propose that the pharmacology of MDMA, the primary psychoactive component of ecstasy tablets, changes markedly with repeated exposure and that neuroadaptations in dopamine and serotonin brain systems underlie the shift from MDMA use to MDMA misuse in susceptible subjects. Data from both the human and laboratory animal literature are synthesized to support the idea that (1) MDMA becomes a less efficacious serotonin releaser and a more efficacious dopamine releaser with the development of behaviour consistent with an SUD and (2) that upregulated serotonin receptor mechanisms contribute to the development of the MDMA SUD via dysregulated inhibitory control associated with the trait of impulsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Schenk
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Dane Aronsen
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Aarde SM, Taffe MA. Predicting the Abuse Liability of Entactogen-Class, New and Emerging Psychoactive Substances via Preclinical Models of Drug Self-administration. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 32:145-164. [PMID: 27909988 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Animal models of drug self-administration are currently the gold standard for making predictions regarding the relative likelihood that a recreational drug substance will lead to continued use and addiction. Such models have been found to have high predictive accuracy and discriminative validity for a number of drug classes including ethanol, nicotine, opioids, and psychostimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Members of the entactogen class of psychostimulants (drugs that produce an "open mind state" including feelings of interpersonal closeness, intimacy and empathy) have been less frequently studied in self-administration models. The prototypical entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; "Ecstasy") supports self-administration but not with the same consistency nor with the same efficacy as structurally related drugs amphetamine or methamphetamine. Consistent with these observations, MDMA use is more episodic in the majority of those who use it frequently. Nevertheless, substantial numbers of MDMA users will meet the criteria for substance dependence at some point in their use history. This review examines the currently available evidence from rodent self-administration studies of MDMA and two of the new and emerging psychoactive substances (NPS) that produce entactogen type neuropharmacological responses - mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone; 4MMC; "meow meow") and methylone (3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone). Overall, the current evidence predicts that these NPS entactogens have enhanced abuse liability compared with MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn M Aarde
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders Mailcode SP30-2400, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Michael A Taffe
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders Mailcode SP30-2400, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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Abstract
Since the mid- to late 2000s, there has been a dramatic rise in the use and abuse of synthetic derivatives of cathinone, a stimulant alkaloid found in the African shrub Catha edulis. Cathinone novel psychoactive substances (NPS), also referred to as synthetic cathinones or "bath salt"-type drugs, have gained popularity among drug users due to their potency, low cost, ease of procurement, and diverse array of evolving chemical structures. While the ability of cathinone NPS to produce psychotomimetic effects, multiple organ system toxicity, and death in humans is well documented, there has been limited scientific investigation into the reinforcing effects and abuse liability of these drugs. In this chapter, we will summarize the existing literature on the reinforcing effects of cathinone NPS in rodents using the intravenous self-administration (IVSA) paradigm. We will also compare the ability of cathinone NPS to serve as reinforcers to that of classical psychostimulants such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The chapter will conclude with a summary and indications for future avenues of research on cathinone NPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas R Watterson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 871104, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - M Foster Olive
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 871104, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
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