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Francesco Fornai

6 papers in the library · 111 citations · publishing 2001-2006

Papers

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MDMA and Seizures: A Dangerous Liaison?

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences August 1, 2006 Filippo Sean Giorgi, Gloria Lazzeri, Gianfranco Natale et al. 33 citations

Abstract: In the past decades, there was a massive increase in the abuse of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in the Western countries. Seizure onset after MDMA is considered to be related mainly to its acute systemic effects (e.g., hyponatremia and hyperthermia). However, additional mechanisms might concur to it as well. Experiments aimed at disclosing the basis for such an acute effect...

DOI: 10.1196/annals.1369.035 (opens in new tab) MDMA Seizure threshold Monoaminergic Hyponatremia +3

MDMA Induces Caspase‐3 Activation in the Limbic System but not in Striatum

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences August 1, 2006 Ilaria Tamburini, Fabio Blandini, Marco Gesi et al. 24 citations

Abstract: Several studies, carried out in chronic (+/−) 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) abusers, have shown memory loss and cognitive impairment, as well as persistent electroencephalographic changes. This suggests that, at least in humans, forebrain areas, including the limbic system, might be altered by MDMA. Consistently, recent experimental evidences suggest that, in rodents, MDMA,...

DOI: 10.1196/annals.1369.037 (opens in new tab) MDMA Striatum Amygdala Piriform cortex +4

Loud noise enhances nigrostriatal dopamine toxicity induced by MDMA in mice.

Microscopy research and technique July 1, 2004 Marco Gesi, Michela Ferrucci, Mario Giusiani et al.

The neurotoxicity of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) has been intensely investigated due to the widespread abuse of this drug and its neurotoxic effects. In mice, MDMA neurotoxicity has been demonstrated for striatal dopamine (DA) terminals. However, the current literature has reported great variability in the effects induced by MDMA; this is partially due to changes in...

Ecstasy during loud noise exposure induces dramatic ultrastructural changes in the heart.

Pharmacology & Toxicology July 2002 Marco Gesi, Paola Soldani, Paola Lenzi et al.

The acute toxicity induced by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine appears as rabdomyolysis involving the myocardium (myocytolysis) and it is often suspected to be responsible for sudden death. In line with this, cardiac symptoms such as tachycardia, hypertension, and arrhythmia are present in persons abusing ecstasy. In most cases, ecstasy is abused in loud noise, which in itself might affect the...

Morphological effects in the mouse myocardium after methylenedioxymethamphetamine administration combined with loud noise exposure.

The Anatomical record May 1, 2002 Marco Gesi, Paola Lenzi, Paola Soldani et al.

Early toxicity occurring during or immediately after 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or "ecstasy") administration has not been investigated in detail, although in humans it is responsible for marked side effects, and even death. Acute toxicity induced by MDMA produces rhabdomyolysis involving the myocardium (myocytolysis). Cardiac symptoms, such as tachycardia, hypertension, and...

Biochemical effects of the monoamine neurotoxins DSP-4 and MDMA in specific brain regions of MAO-B-deficient mice

Synapse 2001 Francesco Fornai, Filippo Sean Giorgi, Marco Gesi et al. 54 citations

Previous studies reported that drugs acting as monoamine oxidase (MAO)-B inhibitors prevented biochemical effects induced by the neurotoxins N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP-4) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy"). In this study, we administered DSP-4 (50 mg/kg) or MDMA (50 mg/kg x 2, 2 h apart) to MAO-B deficient mice. Monoamine content in various brain...