Effects of MDMA treatment and cessation on sexual behaviour and testicular functions in male sprague-dawley rats.
O O Obembe, E T George, R A Mustapha, R E Akhigbe
BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology April 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-026-01131-1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Controlled experiment Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 15 |
| Population | Male rats |
| Intervention | MDMA |
| Dose | 100 mg/kg orally for 30 days |
| Duration | 30-day intervention, 30-day withdrawal period |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Inflammation Oxidative stress Reproductive hormones Sexual behaviour |
| Key findings | Chronic MDMA exposure initially enhanced sexual behavior but impaired sperm quality, increased oxidative stress and inflammation, and suppressed reproductive hormones, with partial recovery after withdrawal. |
Abstract
Background: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a psychostimulant known for its social and empathogenic effects. However, its long-term impact on sexual performance and reproductive functions remain controversial.
Objective: In this study, the effects of chronic MDMA exposure and subsequent withdrawal on sexual behaviour, reproductive hormones, sperm parameters, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation and testicular histology in male rats were investigated.
Methods: Fifteen male rats were divided into three groups (n = 5 rats/group): control (distilled water-treated), MDMA-treated (100 mg/kg orally for 30 days), and MDMA-withdrawal (100 mg/kg of MDMA for 30 days followed by 30-day drug-free recovery). Sexual behaviour was assessed every ten days for 60 days. Epididymal sperm suspension analysis, serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, markers of oxidative stress and inflammation interleukins 1beta, 6, and 10 (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in serum and testes, and histological evaluations of testes were performed.
Results: MDMA significantly enhanced sexual behavioural parameters (mount, intromission, and ejaculation frequencies) during exposure, but these declined with drug withdrawal. Sperm count and motility decreased following MDMA treatment, with partial recovery after withdrawal. Oxidative stress marker (malondialdehyde, MDA) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) were significantly increased while antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, total thiol] were significantly decreased both in the serum and testes. MDMA also suppressed LH, FSH, and testosterone levels, while histological analysis showed reduced spermatid populations, which improved post-cessation.
Conclusion: MDMA elicits prosexual effects that was accompanied by low epididymal sperm quality, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal suppression during exposure. Nonetheless, partial recovery occurred following MDMA cessation, suggesting potential long-term reproductive risks.
Comparable studies
Other preclinical and animal studies on MDMA, most cited first.
Citations in the library
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and 11 more in the library