Acute effects of d‐methamphetamine, 3,4‐methylenedioxypyrovalerone, 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and 4‐methylmethcathinone on wheel activity in rats
Pai-Kai Huang, Shawn. M. Aarde, Tobin J. Dickerson, Michael A. Taffe
The FASEB Journal April 1, 2012 DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.1040.3 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Preclinical animal study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Male Wistar rats provided an activity wheel |
| Interventions | mephedrone) 3 |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key points | Methamphetamine and MDPV produced a biphasic locomotor pattern, increasing wheel activity at lower doses and inhibiting it at the highest dose, while MDMA and 4-MMC produced monophasic, dose-dependent reductions in activity. The authors suggest MDPV produces typical locomotor stimulant effects whereas 4-MMC is more similar to the entactogen MDMA. |
Abstract
A recent DEA report and ongoing media accounts show increasing recreational use of 4‐methylmethcathinone (4‐MMC, mephedrone) and 3,4‐methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). Some severe sympathomimetic symptoms, hallucinations, psychoses, and even deaths have been reported. Recent studies showed that 4‐MMC and MDPV enhanced DA neurotransmission, while 4‐MMC also increased 5‐HT neurotransmission, much like 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Therefore these novel cathinone recreational drugs may predict differential abuse potential and toxicities, as is the case for designer amphetamines. This study determined relative locomotor stimulant effects of 4‐MMC and MDPV, in comparison with d‐methamphetamine (METH) and MDMA, in male Wistar rats provided an activity wheel. Results showed a biphasic pattern for METH and MDPV, with increased wheel activity following lower doses and inhibition of activity at the highest dose. Monophasic, dose‐dependent reductions in activity were produced by MDMA and 4‐MMC. The data suggests MDPV produces typical locomotor stimulant effects whereas 4‐MMC is more similar to the entactogen MDMA. USPHS grants: DA024105 and DA024705.
Comparable studies
Other preclinical and animal studies on MDMA, most cited first.