3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine increases susceptibility to genital herpes simplex virus infection in mice.
Abused by >1.2 million Americans, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) (commonly referred to as ecstasy) is popular in the dance club, rave, and circuit party scenes. MDMA and other similar drugs are reportedly associated with increased incidence of sexually transmitted infectious diseases, such as AIDS and genital herpes, and may have immunological effects. In the present study, we demonstrate that MDMA causes increased susceptibility to herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in mice and earlier onset of genital herpes. We also demonstrate that MDMA has an effect on the cytokines of the innate immune system-both systemically and, for the first time, in the genital tract. These data suggest that MDMA may play an important biological role in infection.
Pennock
Jeffry W
JW
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555, USA.
Stegall
Rachael
R
Bubar
Marcy J
MJ
Milligan
Gregg
G
Cunningham
Kathryn A
KA
Bourne
Nigel
N
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D004198:Disease Susceptibility / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000276:immunology*; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014621:Vagina / Q000378:metabolism
D016207:Cytokines; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine