The effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) on monoaminergic systems in the rat brain

doi:10.1016/0014-2999(86)90555-8

European Journal of Pharmacology

Volume 128, Issues 1–2, 22 August 1986, Pages 41-48

https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-2999(86)90555-8 Get rights and content

Abstract

The effects of two amphetamine-like designer drugs, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), on dopaminergic and serotonergic systems in the rat brain were investigated and compared to those of methamphetamine (METH). Like METH, single or multiple 10 mg/kg doses of either drug caused marked reductions in both tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) activity and concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, in several serotonergic nerve terminal regions. In all regions examined, the reduction in 5-HT content corresponded to the depression of TPH activity. Unlike multiple METH administrations, which induced pronounced deficits in dopaminergic neuronal markers, repeated doses of MDA or MDMA did not alter striatal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activities or reduce striatal dopamine concentrations. A single dose of MDA or MDMA significantly elevated striatal dopamine content; however, after repeated drug administrations dopamine concentrations were comparable to control values. At this time, striatal levels of homovanillic acid were significantly elevated suggesting that both drugs influence dopamine turnover. The effects of MDA or MDMA administration in the rat brain are reminiscent of those elicited by p-chloroamphetamine, a presumed serotonergic neurotoxin.

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The effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) on monoaminergic systems in the rat brain

Abstract

Biochem. Pharmacol.

European J. Pharmacol.

Life Sci.

J. Biol. Chem.

European J. Pharmacol.

Anal. Biochem.

Life Sci.

Brain Res.

European J. Pharmacol.

Brain Res.

Biochem. Pharmacol.

Getting high on ‘ecstacy’

Newsweek April

Absolute configuration and psychotomimetic activity

Structural specificity for inhibition of 14C-5-hydroxytryptamine uptake by cerebral slices

J. Pharm. Pharmacol.

d-Amphetamine-induced release of newly synthesized and stored dopamine from the caudate nucleus in vivo

J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.

The effect of a number of arylalkylamines on the oxidation of tyramine by amine oxidase

J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.

Effect of 3-(p-trifluoromethyl-phenoxy)-N-methyl-3-phenylpropyl-amine on the depletion of brain serotonin by 4-chloro-amphetamine

J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.

The actions of some amines related to adrenaline: methoxyphenylisopropylamines

J. Physiol.

p-Chloroamphetamine: selective neurotoxic action in brain

Science

Structural specificity for inhibition of ¹⁴C-5-hydroxytryptamine uptake by cerebral slices