Differential sensitivity to detect prosocial effects of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in different social approach paradigms in mice
Satoko Mukai, Sao Nakada, Hikari Kamada, Ryuma Yaguchi, Satoshi Deyama, Katsuyuki Kaneda
Neuropsychopharmacology Reports September 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12124 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Preclinical behavioral study in mice Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | ICR mice |
| Intervention | MDMA |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key points | MDMA treatment increased sociability in both new social approach tests, but the proportion of mice classified as highly sociable was greater in SAT2 than SAT1. The authors suggest SAT2 is a more sensitive and suitable method for exploring the neuronal mechanisms underlying MDMA's prosocial effects. |
Abstract
AbstractA recreational drug, 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), has prosocial effects including increased sociability, enhancement of trust feelings, and empathy. Although several methods, such as the social interaction and three chamber tests, have been used, the neural mechanisms underlying the prosocial effects have not been well understood. In the present study, based on a social approach paradigm using a single‐chamber apparatus, we have developed two reproducible and simple social approach tests, SAT1 and SAT2, in ICR mice. In the SAT1, an unfamiliar mouse was set in a wire mesh cylinder cage that was placed in the center of a rectangular open field, while in the SAT2, an unfamiliar mouse was set in a wire mesh rectangular cage that was placed along a wall of a rectangular open field. Although MDMA treatment enhanced sociability in both SAT1 and SAT2, the ratio of high sociability mice was higher in the SAT2 than in the SAT1, indicating a differential sensitivity to detect the prosocial effects. Thus, we suggest that the SAT2 is a promising and suitable method to explore the neuronal mechanisms underlying the effects of MDMA.