Role of Serotonin via 5-HT2B Receptors in the Reinforcing Effects of MDMA in Mice
PLoS ONE November 20, 2009 Stéphane Doly, Jesus Bertran‐gonzalez, Jacques Callebert et al. 80 citations
The drug MDMA (ecstasy) produces its rewarding effects by causing the release of serotonin and dopamine in brain regions linked to reward. This study shows that the 5-HT(2B) receptor, a type of serotonin receptor, is essential for MDMA's reinforcing properties. Mice lacking the 5-HT(2B) receptor did not develop a preference for the location where they received MDMA (10 mg/kg) nor did they show behavioral sensitization. Blocking this receptor with an antagonist also prevented these effects in normal mice. However, at a higher dose (30 mg/kg), MDMA's effects were independent of serotonin and the 5-HT(2B) receptor, relying instead on dopamine. These findings highlight the dose-dependent role of serotonin-dopamine interactions in MDMA's addictive potential.