Characterization of the Neurochemical and Behavioral Effects of the Phenethylamine 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA in Adolescent and Adult Male Rats.
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology May 1, 2024 Gessica Piras, Cristina Cadoni, Francesca Caria et al. 3 citations
The synthetic stimulant 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA, an NPS linked to severe intoxications, increased dopamine and serotonin levels in the nucleus accumbens shell and medial prefrontal cortex of rats in a dose-, brain area-, and age-dependent manner. In adult rats, dopamine rose more markedly in both brain areas, while adolescent rats showed a greater serotonin increase in the nucleus accumbens shell. The drug stimulated locomotion and stereotyped activity more in adolescents but did not trigger 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations, suggesting no positive affective properties. These findings indicate age-dependent neurochemical and behavioral effects, helping to assess health risks from human use.