Abstract: The effect of the racemic mixture of 3,4‐methy‐lenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on the synthesis of dopamine in the terminals of nigrostriatal and mesolimbic neurons was estimated by measuring the accumulation of 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) in the striatum and nucleus accumbens 30 min following the administration of the l‐aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor,...
To the Editor.— Recent attention has been drawn to the purported neurotoxic dangers associated with 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Price et al1have attempted to assess possible serotonergic neurotransmitter damage by contrasting serum prolactin response to the challenge with intravenous L-tryptophan in subjects with a history of MDMA use vs control subjects. Their primary finding...
This study examined the [3H]5-HT-releasing properties of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and related agents, all of which cause significant release of [3H]5-HT from rat brain synaptosomes. 5-HT uptake blockers dose dependently block MDMA-induced [3H]5-HT release. The EC50s of the uptake drugs in blocking MDMA-induced release correlate with their affinity for the 5-HT uptake site...
Animal studies have established a correlation between release of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and the long-term reduction of 5-HT (toxicity) by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) with the S(+) enantiomer being more active than the R(-). Using a microculture system of fetal raphe neurons, the enantiomers of MDMA were tested to determine if a similar difference in potency existed. The results...
The active and inactive stereoisomers of the serotonin (5-HT2) antagonist, MDL 11,939, were used to examine the relationship between the acute effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on the dopaminergic system and its long-term effects on the serotonergic system. Only the R-(+) stereoisomer of MDL 11,939 both reversed the acute stimulation of striatal dopamine synthesis by MDMA and...
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; Ecstasy) is a known neurotoxin to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) nerve terminals. It has recently been demonstrated that [3H]6-nitroquipazine is a new radioligand for studying the 5-HT transport system in brain. Therefore, we examined the effects of repeated systemic administration (10 mg/kg ip, twice daily for 3 d) of MDMA on...
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 3,4- Methylenedioxyethamphetamine (MDEA) are synthetic amphetamine analogues that have received considerable media attention as recreational drugs popular among college students and young professionals. MDMA, more commonly known as “Ecstasy,” has been available on the illicit drug market since 1968 (1). with increasing popularity in the late 1970s...
There can never be a complete history of any intensely controversial topic whose proponents and skeptics state their beliefs with equal confidence. Some historical facts will rest uncontested. Many facts will be clothed in opinions that will color the way the facts are to be interpreted. Other facts will never be publicly known, for reasons of legality or privacy. And some facts may simply be...
It has been hypothesized that MDMA and substances that possess a psychopharmacological effect similar to MDMA are members of a novel pharmacological class named entactogens [1–3]. In this chapter evidence will be presented to support this, through a discussion of the data acquired in efforts directed toward testing this hypothesis. Although these studies are far from complete, the results...
Abstract Studies to characterize the pharmacokinetics of the enantiomers of MDMA were conducted in rats using the iliac arterial cannulation. Two routes of administration, intravenous and subcutaneous, were evaluated at two dose levels for each route [20 and 40 mg/kg (±)‐MDMA for subcutaneous, 10 and 20 mg/kg (±)‐MDMA for intravenous administrations]. The average half‐life (±SD) for all dosing...