Effects of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its main metabolites on cardiovascular function in conscious rats
British Journal of Pharmacology October 12, 2013 Charles W. Schindler, Eric B. Thorndike, Bruce E. Blough et al. 35 citations
The cardiovascular effects of MDMA (Ecstasy) are partly caused by its metabolite HHMA. In rats, MDMA increased blood pressure, heart rate, and activity in a dose-dependent way. The metabolite MDA mimicked MDMA's effects, while HHMA increased heart rate more potently and to a greater extent than MDMA itself. The dihydroxy metabolites did not alter motor activity, and two other metabolites, HMMA and HMA, had no effects. The heart rate increases from MDMA and HHMA were blocked by the beta-blocker propranolol, suggesting a beta-adrenoceptor mechanism. HHMA may significantly contribute to MDMA's cardiovascular toxicity.