Release of serotonin induced by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and other substituted amphetamines in cultured fetal raphe neurons: further evidence for calcium-independent mechanisms of release
Brain Research October 1, 1995 Christine H. Wichems, Charlotte K. Hollingsworth, Barbara A. Bennett 50 citations
The substituted amphetamines MDMA, MDA, PCA, and fenfluramine all release serotonin from presynaptic nerve terminals. In cultured fetal raphe neurons, the rank order of release potency was PCA > MDMA = MDA = fenfluramine. Preventing calcium influx with L- and N-type calcium channel blockers inhibited potassium-stimulated serotonin release but had no effect on amphetamine-induced release. Removing extracellular calcium or depleting vesicular neurotransmitter stores also did not affect amphetamine-induced release. Administering fluoxetine before the amphetamines significantly reduced their releasing effects, while not affecting potassium-stimulated release. These results are consistent with the notion that these amphetamines induce release of cytoplasmic serotonin via the plasma membrane transporter.