Administration of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ‘ecstasy’) to several species results in a long lasting neurotoxic degeneration of 5‐hydroxytryptaminergic neurones in several regions of the brain. We have now investigated whether this degeneration is likely to be the result of free radical‐induced damage. Free radical formation can be assessed by measuring the formation of 2,3‐ and...
It is well established that 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ‘ecstasy’) is neurotoxic and produces long term degeneration of cerebral 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) nerve terminals in many species. Since MDMA is used extensively as a recreational drug by young people, it is being ingested by many women of child bearing age. We have therefore examined the effect of administering high doses...
1. The present study has investigated whether the neurotoxic effects of the relatively selective 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurotoxins, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or 'Ecstasy'), p-chloroamphetamine (PCA) and fenfluramine on hippocampal and cortical 5-HT terminals in rat brain could be prevented by administration of either chlormethiazole or dizocilpine. 2. Administration of MDMA...