Sustained physical activity worsens the hyperthermic (overheating) response to MDMA (Ecstasy) and increases the risk of death, according to experiments with rats. Male Wistar rats given MDMA (1.0, 5.6, or 10.0 mg/kg) were monitored with radiotelemetry in low (23-25°C) or high (27°C) ambient temperatures, with or without access to an activity wheel. The highest dose (10 mg/kg) combined with high temperature and wheel access produced the greatest rise in body temperature and more deaths than the no-wheel condition. This provides direct experimental evidence that physical activity is a risk factor for severe reactions to MDMA in humans.
A chromosome-level genome assembly of the diviners sage plant, which produces the hallucinogen salvinorin A, has been produced. The genome is about 541 million base pairs, diploid, and comparable to other sage species. Two gene clusters involved in diterpene biosynthesis were identified, including a gene that forms the dihydrofuran ring early in the salvinorin A pathway. Other enzyme classes likely involved in later steps are scattered across the genome. Most of these genes are not activated by methyl jasmonate treatment. This high-quality genome sequence will help uncover the remaining steps in salvinorin A biosynthesis and support exploration of its medical potential for chronic pain, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder.