Ritanserin-sensitive receptors modulate the prosocial and the anxiolytic effect of MDMA derivatives, DOB and PMA, in zebrafish.
Luisa Ponzoni, Mariaelvina Sala, Daniela Braida
Behavioural Brain Research November 1, 2016 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.08.009 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Experimental animal study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Adult zebrafish |
| Intervention | ritanserin |
| Dose | DOB 0.05-2 mg/kg; PMA 0.0005-2 mg/kg; MDMA 0.25-20 mg/kg; ritanserin 0.025-2.5 mg/kg |
| Measures | social preference test, novel tank diving test, light-dark test |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Hallucinogens Liokght-dark Novel tank Social preference Zebrafish |
| Key findings | DOB, PMA, and MDMA progressively increased social preference and produced anxiolytic-like effects in zebrafish, with high doses ineffective and effects following inverted U-shaped curves. Ritanserin blocked both effects, which the authors argue demonstrates prosocial and anxiolytic properties of DOB and PMA acting through serotonergic-like mechanisms. |
Abstract
Little is known about the pharmacological effects of amphetamine derivatives. In the present study, the effect on social preference and anxiety-like behavior of 2,5-dimetoxy-4-bromo-amphetamine hydrobromide (DOB) and para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA), in comparison with 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) was investigated in zebrafish, an emerging model to study emotional behavior in an inexpensive and quick manner. DOB (0.05-2mg/kg), PMA (0.0005-2mg/kg) or MDMA (0.25-20mg/kg), given i.m. to adult zebrafish, progressively increased the time spent in the proximity of nacre fish picture in a social preference test. However, high doses were ineffective. Similarly, in the novel tank diving and light-dark tests the compounds elicited a progressive anxiolytic effect in terms of time spent in the upper half of the tank and in the light compartment, respectively. All the above effects were interpolated by symmetrical parabolas. The 5-HT2A/C antagonist ritanserin (0.025-2.5mg/kg) in association with the maximal effective dose of MDMA, DOB and PMA blocked both the social and anxiolytic effect. Taken together these findings demonstrate for the first time the prosocial and anxiolytic properties of DOB and PMA and focus on the mechanisms of their action through the serotonergic-like system suggesting a potential clinical application.
Comparable studies
Other preclinical and animal studies on MDMA, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Acute DOB and PMA Administration Impairs Motor and Sensorimotor Responses in Mice and Causes Hallucinogenic Effects in Adult Zebrafish Brain Sciences August 25, 2020
- The Non-Peptide Arginine-Vasopressin v1a Selective Receptor Antagonist, SR49059, Blocks the Rewarding, Prosocial, and Anxiolytic Effects of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and Its Derivatives in Zebra Fish Frontiers in Psychiatry August 13, 2017
- Exploring the impact of MDMA and oxytocin ligands on anxiety and social responses: A comprehensive behavioural and molecular study in the zebrafish model. Journal of Psychopharmacology April 1, 2025
- Unveil the toxicity induced on early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its enantiomers. The Science of the total environment December 10, 2024
- A Systematic Review of the MDMA Model to Address Social Impairment in Autism. Current Neuropharmacology 2021
and 1 more in the library
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- Novel psychopharmacological therapies for psychiatric disorders: psilocybin and MDMA. The Lancet Psychiatry April 5, 2016
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