Methylenedioxymethamphetamine induces opposite changes in central pre- and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors in rats.
The present study examined the short- and long-term effects of single and repeated administration of 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy') on somatodendritic and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors of the rat brain. [3H]8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin ([3H]8-OH-DPAT) was used to label 5-HT1A receptors in the brain stem region containing the dorsal raphe nucleus and in the frontal cortex. As expected, both schedules of treatment reduced the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) content and [3H]paroxetine binding in the frontal cortex but not in the brain stem. Multiple but not single MDMA administration significantly reduced 5-HT1A receptor density in the selected brain stem region. In the frontal cortex, both MDMA treatments increased or tended to increase 5-HT1A receptor number, the effect being more marked after repeated drug administration.
Aguirre
N
N
Department of Pharmacology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
Galbete
J L
JL
Lasheras
B
B
Del Río
J
J
D000818:Animals; D003712:Dendrites / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011903:Raphe Nuclei / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D018490:Serotonin Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013997:Time Factors
D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D018490:Serotonin Agents; D012701:Serotonin; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine