A single dose of MDMA given to mice before a mild traumatic brain injury did not worsen cognitive deficits and instead appeared to improve visual and spatial memory. Mice that received MDMA before injury performed better on cognitive tests than injured mice without the drug. The drug reversed injury-related decreases in tyrosine hydroxylase, an enzyme important for dopamine production, which may explain the cognitive improvements. The IGF-1R signaling pathway was activated but was not the main cause of the benefit.
Three synthetic cannabinoids (AB-FUBINACA, AB-CHMINACA, PB-22) and Δ9-THC all caused hypothermia and reduced anxiety, spatial memory, and exploratory behavior in adult ICR mice. Only Δ9-THC produced clear pain relief. Unlike Δ9-THC, all synthetic cannabinoids decreased locomotor activity. AB-FUBINACA and Δ9-THC impaired balance and grip strength. PB-22 increased depression-like behavior, while AB-FUBINACA reduced it. The findings indicate varied effects among synthetic cannabinoids and Δ9-THC.