Attenuation of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy)‐induced rhabdomyolysis with α1‐ plus β3‐adrenoreceptor antagonists
British Journal of Pharmacology June 1, 2004 Jon E. Sprague, Robert E. Brutcher, Edward Mills et al. 53 citations
In male rats, the drug MDMA (Ecstasy) caused a rapid and large increase in body temperature, which was significantly reduced by blocking two types of receptors: α₁-adrenoreceptors and β₃-adrenoreceptors. MDMA also raised levels of creatine kinase (a marker of muscle breakdown, peaking at 4 hours) and increased blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine (markers of kidney function) at 4 hours. These effects were prevented by giving a combination of the α₁ antagonist prazosin and the β₃ antagonist SR59230A. The findings indicate that both receptor types are critically involved in MDMA-induced hyperthermia and the resulting muscle damage.