The effect of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ('Ecstasy') on serotonergic regulation of the mammalian circadian clock mechanism in rats: the role of dopamine and hyperthermia
by
Dafters RI, Biello SM.
Psychology Department,
58 Hillhead Street,
Glasgow University,
G12 8QB, Glasgow, UK
Neurosci Lett. 2003 Oct 23;350(2):117-21

ABSTRACT

The recreational drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is known to be a neurotoxin for serotonergic axons ascending from the raphe nucleus including those which terminate on neurons of the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus, the putative mammalian circadian clock. Since dopamine release has been implicated in the serotonergic neurotoxicity, we examined the effects of the dopamine synthesis inhibitor alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT) and the D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol (HAL) on the long-term effect of MDMA on serotonergic regulation of the SCN neuronal firing rhythm. Co-administration of AMPT or HAL with MDMA eliminated the acute hyperthermic response but had no effect on the MDMA-induced phase shift in the firing rhythm of SCN neurons to the selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)-tetralin. It is concluded that neither dopamine metabolism nor hyperthermia account for the altered serotonergic function in the SCN produced by MDMA. Toxic free radical production following MDMA metabolism may be responsible.

Circadian rhythms
MDMA and the body clock
MDMA and the mitochondria
Ecstasy/MDMA and cannabis
Arginine-vasopressin release
Phosphatidylinositol turnover
MDMA, loud noise and the heart
MDMA, antihistamines and serotonin
MDMA, HIV and antiretroviral agents
Serotonin, noradrenline and dopamine
MDMA/polydrug users in the UK and Italy

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