Behavioral sensitization and cross-sensitization between methylphenidate amphetamine, and 3-4, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in female SD rats
Pamela B. Yang, Kristal D. Atkins, N. Dafny
European Journal of Pharmacology April 28, 2011 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.04.035 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
Amphetamine, methylphenidate (Ritalin), and MDMA (ecstasy) all increase movement in female rats after a single dose. Repeated administration of moderate doses of amphetamine or methylphenidate leads to behavioral sensitization, a marker of dependence potential. MDMA produces sensitization in some rats but tolerance in others. Cross-sensitization occurs between methylphenidate and amphetamine, but MDMA does not cross-sensitize or cross-tolerate with amphetamine, suggesting MDMA acts through different mechanisms.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Female rats |
| Keywords | Psychology Medicine |
| Citations | 42 |
| Key finding | MDMA does not show cross sensitization or cross tolerance with amphetamine, suggesting different mechanisms of action compared to methylphenidate and amphetamine. |
Abstract
The psychostimulants amphetamine and methylphenidate (MPD / Ritalin) are the drugs most often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In addition, students of all ages take these drugs to improve academic performance but also abuse them for pleasurable enhancement. In addition, other psychostimulants such 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA / ecstasy) are used / abused for similar objectives. One of the experimental markers for the potential of a drug to produce dependence is its ability to induce behavioral sensitization and cross sensitization with other drugs of abuse. The objective of this study is to use identical experimental protocols and behavioral assays to compare in female rats the effects of amphetamine, MPD and MDMA on locomotor activity and to determine if they induce behavioral sensitization and/or cross sensitization with each other. The main findings of this study are 1. Acute amphetamine, MPD and MDMA all elicited increases in locomotor activity. 2. Chronic administration of an intermediate dose of amphetamine or MPD elicited behavioral sensitization. 3. Chronic administration of MDMA elicited behavioral sensitization in some animals and behavioral tolerance in others. 4. Cross sensitization between MPD and amphetamine was observed. 5. MDMA did not show either cross sensitization or cross tolerance with amphetamine. In conclusion, these results suggest that MDMA act by different mechanisms compared to MPD and amphetamine.