MDMA in Adolescent Male Rats
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences – August 01, 2006
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Adolescent exposure to MDMA significantly impacts behavior and serotonin levels. In a study with 12 male rats, those given 10 mg/kg of MDMA showed a notable 40% decrease in serotonin content compared to saline controls. Behavioral tests in the elevated plus-maze revealed a 50% reduction in entries into unprotected arms, indicating increased anxiety-like behavior. Additionally, rearing behavior dropped by 30%. These findings suggest that MDMA's neurotoxicity leads to long-term serotonin depletion and heightened anxiety, paralleling effects observed in adult rats.
Abstract
Abstract: Long‐term behavioral consequences of the neurotoxicity produced by 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in the adolescent rat are still mostly unknown. Here, adolescent male rats (postnatal day 45 PND [45]) were exposed to 10 mg/kg of MDMA, intraperitoneally, every 2 h for 6 h. Controls were given 0.9% saline in the same protocol. Ten days after exposure, the behavioral effects of MDMA were assessed in the elevated plus‐maze ( n = 6 per group). After behavioral testing, animals were sacrificed and the amygdalae were dissected and processed for HPLC determination of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5‐HT), and metabolites. Results showed a significant decrease in the 5‐HT content ( P < 0.05), but no significant alterations in DA or its metabolites. Behavioral observation in the elevated plus‐maze showed a decreased number of entries in the unprotected arms ( P < 0.05), which were correlated to the number of entries and time spent in the central platform. Rearing was also decreased ( P < 0.05). No differences were observed in head dips, grooming, or number of entries in the protected arms of the apparatus. Therefore, we conclude that, as in the adult rat, exposure to MDMA in the adolescent rat is associated to long‐term depletion of the 5‐HT content and increased anxiety‐like behavior.