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Receptor Pharmacology of MDMA and Related Hallucinogensa

Milt Teitler, Sigrun Leonhardt, Nathan M. Appel, Errol B. de Souza, Richard A Glennon

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences October 1, 1990 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1990.tb16915.x (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Review Peer reviewed
Topics MDMA
Keywords Commonwealth Library science
Citations 33
Key findings The brain 5HT2 receptor appears to be the site of action for hallucinogenic PIAs and LSD.

Abstract

The data presented herein appear to strongly implicate the brain 5HT2 receptor as the site-of-action of the hallucinogenic PIAs and LSD. If so, this discovery represents a major step in understanding the molecular pharmacology of hallucinogenic drugs. Using radioactive hallucinogenic drugs, detailed properties of brain 5HT2 receptors indicating the interaction of 5HT2 receptors with GTP-binding proteins have been revealed. Autoradiographic studies have revealed an extensive cortical distribution of brain 5HT2 receptors; these studies have also suggested that the PIAs may be 5HT1C agonists. Radiolabeling studies in conjunction with drug discrimination studies indicate that MDMA is apparently "amphetamine-like" and not "LSD-like" while MDA is apparently both "LSD-like" and "amphetamine-like." However, MDMA does appear to possess the potential to act as a 5HT2 agonist at high dosages.

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