Multiple 5-HT receptors are involved in the effects of acute MDMA treatment: studies on locomotor activity and responding for conditioned reinforcement.
BACKGROUND
Responding for conditioned reinforcement is increased by the dopamine releasing agent amphetamine, but reduced by drugs that enhance serotonin (5-HT) function. The amphetamine derivative 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) releases both monoamines.


OBJECTIVE
The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effects of MDMA on responding for conditioned reinforcement as well as on locomotor activity. The roles of several 5-HT receptor sub-types in mediating these behavioural effects of MDMA were also examined.


METHODS
Locomotion was measured in photocell activity monitors. For conditioned reinforcement experiments thirsty rats learned to associate a conditioned stimulus (CS) with water in operant chambers. Subsequently, two response levers were available; responding on one lever delivered the CS, while responding on the second lever had no consequences. Drug effects on this operant response were measured.


RESULTS
MDMA dose-dependently increased locomotion but reduced responding for conditioned reinforcement. This latter effect differs from that induced by amphetamine, which potentiates conditioned reinforcement responding. The stimulant effect of MDMA was attenuated by GR127935 and ketanserin, indicating facilitatory roles of 5-HT(1B) and 5-HT(2A) receptors in mediating this effect. The 5-HT(2C) antagonist SB242084 enhanced the stimulant effect of MDMA. Only SB242084 attenuated the suppressant effect of MDMA on responding for conditioned reinforcement.


CONCLUSIONS
The results show that 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(1B/1D) receptors play a facilitatory role in mediating the stimulant effect of MDMA, whereas 5-HT(2C) receptors are inhibitory. Activation of 5-HT(2C) receptors also contributes to the deficit in operant responding. Multiple 5-HT receptor sub-types appear to contribute to the behavioural effects of MDMA.
Section of Biopsychology, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5T 1R8. Paul_Fletcher@camh.net
Paul J
PJ
Fletcher
Karin M
KM
Korth
Shannon R
SR
Robinson
Glen B
GB
Baker
D015104:3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D003216:Conditioning, Operant / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005021:Ethylamines / Q000494:pharmacology; D007211:Indoles / Q000494:pharmacology; D007650:Ketanserin / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D010069:Oxadiazoles / Q000494:pharmacology; D010879:Piperazines / Q000494:pharmacology; D010880:Piperidines / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D018490:Serotonin Agents / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D013997:Time Factors
D005021:Ethylamines; D007211:Indoles; D010069:Oxadiazoles; D010879:Piperazines; D010880:Piperidines; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; C103848:Ro 60-0175; C118025:SB 242784; D018490:Serotonin Agents; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; C090701:GR 127935; D015104:3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine; D007650:Ketanserin