The substituted amphetamines 4-chloroamphetamine (PCA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and fenfluramine (FEN) share the common neurochemical action of acutely releasing central serotonin (5-HT), and yet their behavioral effects are quite different. The present study evaluated the effects of these compounds on acoustic and tactile startle reflexes. PCA and MDMA were qualitatively...
The serotonergic deficits resulting from methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced neurotoxicity were prevented by the simultaneous administration of 5-hydroxytryptamine2 (5-HT2) receptor antagonists such as MDL 11,939 or ritanserin. This effect was not region specific as protection was observed in the cortex, hippocampus and striatum 1 week after the administration of a single dose of MDMA....
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produced a significant hyperthermia in rats which was antagonized in a competitive manner by the selective 5-HT2 antagonist, MDL 11,939. The 5-HT antagonist also blocked MDMA-induced neurotoxicity as assessed by the decline in regional 5-HT concentrations observed 1 week later. These two effects of MDL 11,939 were dissociated at higher doses of MDMA where...