In vivo pharmacology of MDMA and its enantiomers in rhesus monkeys.
Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology February 1, 2008 DOI: 10.1037/1064-1297.16.1.1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Non-human primates |
| Interventions | MDMA S(+)-MDMA R(-)-MDMA |
| Topics | MDMA Serotonin |
| Keywords | Enantiomer Pharmacology In vivo Dopamine |
| Citations | 30 |
| Key findings | The two enantiomers of MDMA differ in their interaction with the 5-HT2A receptor and dopamine transporter, and long-term tolerance to reinforcing effects varies between them. |
Abstract
The chiral nature of the MDMA molecule gives rise to two enantiomers, each of which is biologically active. This review attempts to cover the author's research into the in vivo effects of MDMA and its enantiomers, as well as other relevant publications which pertain to this topic. No particular differences between the capacities of racemic MDMA and its enantiomers to maintain behavior were noted, but antagonism of the 5-HT2A receptor produces a parallel rightward shift in the dose-effect function for the S(+)-enantiomer, but insurmountably reduces the reinforcing effects of R(-)-MDMA. Long-term self-administration of MDMA may lead to the development of chronic tolerance to the reinforcing effects of MDMA, but S(+)-MDMA is somewhat less susceptible to this effect than the racemate or the R(-)-enantiomer. Using PET neuroimaging, negligible occupancy at the dopamine transporter (DAT) was observed following administration of R(-)-MDMA, but reasonable DAT interaction was quantified following injection of S(+)-MDMA. The non-human primate studies reviewed herein caution that any results obtained in vivo with the MDMA enantiomers may not be particularly informative with regards to the racemate and vice versa.
Comparable studies
Other preclinical and animal studies on MDMA, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 15
- MDMA Self-Administration in Laboratory Animals: A Summary of the Literature and Proposal for Future Research Neuropsychobiology 2009
- Recreational drug discovery: natural products as lead structures for the synthesis of smart drugs Natural Product Reports 2014
- Test–re‐test reliability of DSM‐IV adopted criteria for 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) abuse and dependence: a cross‐national study Addiction August 4, 2009
- Self-reported prevalence of dependence of MDMA compared to cocaine, mephedrone and ketamine among a sample of recreational poly-drug users International Journal of Drug Policy July 15, 2014
- Microglial and astroglial activation by 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in mice depends on S(+) enantiomer and is associated with an increase in body temperature and motility Journal of Neurochemistry October 20, 2012
and 10 more in the library
Cites 29
- Amphetamine-type central nervous system stimulants release norepinephrine more potently than they release dopamine and serotonin Synapse 2000
- Amphetamine, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, and Metabolites of the Catecholamine Neurotransmitters Are Agonists of a Rat Trace Amine Receptor Molecular Pharmacology December 1, 2001
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- The molecular mechanism of "ecstasy" [3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA)]: serotonin transporters are targets for MDMA-induced serotonin release. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences March 1, 1992
- Hallucinogenic Amphetamine Selectively Destroys Brain Serotonin Nerve Terminals Science September 6, 1985
and 24 more in the library