Short-term effects of 3,4-methylenedioximethamphetamine on noradrenergic activity in locus coeruleus and hippocampus of the rat
by
Arrue A, Ruiz-Ortega JA, Ugedo L, Giralt MT.
Department of Pharmacology,
Faculty of Medicine and Odontology,
University of the Basque Country,
48940-Leioa, Vizcaya, Spain
Neurosci Lett 2003 Feb 13;337(3):123-6


ABSTRACT

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of the administration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on the locus coeruleus firing rate, on the sensitivity of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptors which regulate neuronal activity and on the in vivo tyrosine hydroxylase activity in hippocampus. The basal firing rate was not modified by either a single dose or repeated doses of MDMA, although the latter produced a shift to the right in the dose-response curve for clonidine-induced inhibition of the firing rate (ED(50) increased by 59%) and a reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase activity (20%) in the hippocampus. However, 8 days after the final dose alpha(2)-adrenoceptor sensitivity and tyrosine hydroxylase activity had returned to control values. Our results show a desensitization of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in locus coeruleus and the existence of short-term changes in the noradrenergic system.

5-HT1a
5-HT1b
5-HT2a
MDL-11939
Controversies
Prenatal ecstasy
Alexander Shulgin
Prozac and ecstasy
Protect and survive
Human pharmacology
Ecstasy and noradrenaline
MDMA and the alpha-adrenoceptors


Refs
and further reading

HOME
HedWeb
Nootropics
cocaine.wiki
Future Opioids
BLTC Research
MDMA/Ecstasy
Superhapiness?
Utopian Surgery?
The Abolitionist Project
The Hedonistic Imperative
The Reproductive Revolution
Critique of Huxley's Brave New World

The Good Drug Guide
The Good Drug Guide

The Responsible Parent's Guide
To Healthy Mood Boosters For All The Family