Analysis of Ecstasy (MDMA)‐induced transcriptional responses in the rat cortex
Bruce Ladenheim, Michael Mccoy, Jean Lud Cadet, Nathalie Thiriet
The FASEB Journal December 1, 2002 DOI: 10.1096/fj.02-0502com (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Experimental study using cDNA array analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Rats |
| Intervention | MDMA injection |
| Dose | a single dose |
| Topics | MDMA Serotonin |
| Keywords | Euphoriant Hallucinogen Neurotoxicity Pharmacology |
| Citations | 34 |
| Key findings | A single MDMA injection in rats modulates transcription of genes encoding signaling, transcription regulator, and xenobiotic metabolism proteins in the cortex. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is a popular drug of abuse. MDMA is pharmacologically classified as an entactogen because of its affinities to classical hallucinogens and stimulants. Oral ingestion of a single dose of the drug is associated with euphoria, elevated self‐confidence, and heightened sensory awareness in humans. Evidence for neurotoxicity in the human serotonin (5‐HT) system has been provided. In rats, a single injection of MDMA induces hyperthermia and formation of reactive oxygen species. These effects may cause MDMA‐associated, long‐term 5‐HT depletion, with the cortex being quite sensitive to the biochemical effects of MDMA. It has been suggested that these MDMA effects may be associated with molecular changes in this brain region. To test these ideas, we have made use of the cDNA array analysis, which can provide a more global view of the molecular changes secondary to MDMA injections. Our results show that the genes regulated by MDMA encode proteins that belong to signaling pathways, transcription regulators, or xenobiotic metabolism. Our observations indicate that cortical cells respond to the acute administration of MDMA by modulating transcription of several genes that might lead to long‐term changes in the brain.—Thiriet, N., Ladenheim, B., McCoy, M. T., Cadet, J. L. Analysis of Ecstasy (MDMA) ‐induced transcriptional responses in the rat cortex. FASEB J. 16, 1887–1894 (2002)
Comparable studies
Other preclinical and animal studies on MDMA, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 11
- Enzymatic–nonenzymatic cellular antioxidant defense systems response and immunohistochemical detection of MDMA, VMAT2, HSP70, and apoptosis as biomarkers for MDMA (Ecstasy) neurotoxicity Journal of Neuroscience Research October 1, 2009
- Behavioral sensitization and cross-sensitization between methylphenidate amphetamine, and 3-4, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in female SD rats European Journal of Pharmacology April 28, 2011
- Effects of Stress and MDMA on Hippocampal Gene Expression BioMed Research International 2014
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Serotonin level as Biomarker for Neurotoxicity after 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology August 30, 2022
- Gene expression analysis indicates reduced memory and cognitive functions in the hippocampus and increase in synaptic reorganization in the frontal cortex 3 weeks after MDMA administration in Dark Agouti rats. BMC Genomics August 2, 2018
and 6 more in the library
Cites 21
- Neurotoxicity of the psychedelic amphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 1987
- (±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’)-Induced Serotonin Neurotoxicity: Studies in Animals Neuropsychobiology 2000
- Carrier‐Mediated Release of Serotonin by 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine: Implications for Serotonin‐Dopamine Interactions Journal of Neurochemistry 1996
- In vivo evidence for free radical involvement in the degeneration of rat brain 5‐HT following administration of MDMA (‘ecstasy’) and p‐chloroamphetamine but not the degeneration following fenfluramine British Journal of Pharmacology July 1, 1997
- Glutathione and N-Acetylcysteine Conjugates of α-Methyldopamine Produce Serotonergic Neurotoxicity: Possible Role in Methylenedioxyamphetamine-Mediated Neurotoxicity Chemical Research in Toxicology November 19, 1999
and 16 more in the library