Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced hyperthermia and neurotoxicity are independently mediated by 5-HT2 receptors
Brain Research October 1, 1990 Christopher J. Schmidt, Christine K. Black, Gina M. Abbate et al. 132 citations
In rats, MDMA caused a significant rise in body temperature (hyperthermia) that was competitively blocked by the selective 5-HT2 antagonist MDL 11,939. This antagonist also prevented MDMA-induced neurotoxicity, measured by reduced serotonin (5-HT) levels one week later. At higher MDMA doses, MDL 11,939 still fully protected against neurochemical deficits but only partially reduced hyperthermia, dissociating the two effects. Haloperidol did not affect MDMA-induced hyperthermia but did block long-term neurochemical effects. A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, MDL 27,777, did not alter hyperthermia from high-dose MDMA but completely prevented serotonin depletion. Preventing hyperthermia by lowering ambient temperature also blocked neurochemical changes. The results indicate that while the tested drugs do not counteract neurotoxicity by affecting temperature, hyperthermia may contribute to MDMA's long-term neurochemical effects.