Changes in interleukin-1 signal modulators induced by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA): regulation by CB2 receptors and implications for neurotoxicity
Journal of Neuroinflammation August 6, 2011 O'Shea Esther, Rubio Ana, Mayado Andrea et al. 28 citations
MDMA triggers a neuroinflammatory response in rat brain, increasing IL-1β and activating microglia. This study examined changes in IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-1 receptor type I after MDMA, and the effects of a CB2 receptor agonist. MDMA increased IL-1ra levels and decreased IL-1RI expression in the hypothalamus, changes prevented by CB2 activation. IL-1RI was found on neurons, while IL-1β appeared in microglia after MDMA. A soluble form of IL-1RI worsened MDMA-induced neurotoxicity. MDMA also compromised blood-brain barrier integrity. The findings suggest IL-1β partly mediates MDMA's neurotoxic effects.