The Non-Peptide Arginine-Vasopressin v1a Selective Receptor Antagonist, SR49059, Blocks the Rewarding, Prosocial, and Anxiolytic Effects of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and Its Derivatives in Zebra Fish
Frontiers in Psychiatry August 13, 2017 Luisa Ponzoni, Daniela Braida, Gianpietro Bondiolotti et al. 9 citations
MDMA and its derivatives DOB and PMA increase social, rewarding, and anxiety-reducing behaviors in adult zebrafish. These effects are blocked by a V1a vasopressin antagonist (SR49059), suggesting the oxytocin/vasopressin system plays a key role. The drugs also raised brain levels of isotocin (fish oxytocin) 3–5 times above control levels. The findings indicate that the oxytocin/vasopressin system mediates the behavioral effects of these substances, linking it to substance abuse disorders.