The A2a adenosine receptor modulates the reinforcement efficacy and neurotoxicity of MDMA
Journal of Psychopharmacology January 24, 2011 Jéssica Ruiz‐medina, Catherine Ledent, Olga Carretón et al. 33 citations
Adenosine A2a receptors are crucial for the rewarding and neuroinflammatory effects of MDMA. In mice lacking these receptors, MDMA failed to support self-administration, indicating a complete loss of its reinforcing properties. Additionally, the neurotoxic regimen of MDMA caused increased glial activation in the striatum of normal mice, but this inflammatory response was attenuated in mice without A2a receptors. Acute effects on body temperature, locomotion, and anxiety were similar in both genotypes. This work identifies the A2a adenosine receptor as a key mediator of MDMA's addictive potential and neurotoxicity.