A comparison of the neurotoxic potential of methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and its N-methylated and N-ethylated derivatives.
D M Stone, M Johnson, Glen R. Hanson, James W. Gibb
European Journal of Pharmacology February 10, 1987 DOI: 10.1016/0014-2999(87)90173-7 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Animal experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Animals (species not stated in the abstract) |
| Interventions | 3 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) N-ethyl-3 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDE) |
| Dose | 10 mg/kg (multiple doses) |
| Duration | Two weeks after dosing |
| Measures | tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) activity, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) |
| Key findings | Two weeks after repeated 10 mg/kg doses, MDA and MDMA caused selective, pronounced decreases in regional brain tryptophan hydroxylase activity and in serotonin and 5-HIAA levels. MDE was much less potent at lowering brain hydroxyindoles and in most regions did not significantly affect tryptophan hydroxylase activity. The authors discuss these results as having neurotoxic implications. |
Abstract
Three psychoactive amphetamine congeners were evaluated for their ability to cause long-term changes in several neurochemical parameters indicative of central serotonergic function. Two weeks after multiple doses (10 mg/kg) of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) or its N-methylated derivative, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), selective and dramatic decreases were observed in regional brain tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) activities, and in corresponding concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and its primary metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). However, the N-ethylated derivative of MDA, N-ethyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDE), was much less potent in its ability to lower brain hydroxyindoles, and in most regions examined did not significantly affect TPH activity. The neurotoxic implications of these results are discussed.
Citations in the library
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- The Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology of 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐N‐ethyl‐amphetamine (MDEA) CNS Drug Reviews June 1, 2004
- The Acute Effect in Rats of 3, 4‐Methylenedioxyethamphetamine (MDEA, “Eve”) on Body Temperature and Long Term Degeneration of 5‐HT Neurones in Brain: A Comparison with MDMA (“Ecstasy”) Pharmacology & Toxicology June 1, 1999
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