Receptor Pharmacology of MDMA and Related Hallucinogensa
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences October 1, 1990 Milt Teitler, Sigrun Leonhardt, Nathan M. Appel et al. 33 citations
The brain 5HT2 receptor appears to be the site of action for hallucinogenic PIAs and LSD, marking a major step in understanding the molecular pharmacology of hallucinogenic drugs. Radioactive hallucinogenic drugs revealed detailed properties of 5HT2 receptors, including their interaction with GTP-binding proteins. Autoradiographic studies showed an extensive cortical distribution of 5HT2 receptors and suggested that PIAs may be 5HT1C agonists. Radiolabeling combined with drug discrimination studies indicated that MDMA is amphetamine-like, not LSD-like, while MDA is both LSD-like and amphetamine-like. However, MDMA may act as a 5HT2 agonist at high dosages.