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Highgate Q, Schenk S. Comparison of the effects of abstinence on MDMA and cocaine self-administration in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:3233-3241. [PMID: 30209532 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5026-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) preferentially increases synaptic serotonin (5HT). This response was attenuated following repeated exposure but there was recovery as a result of abstinence. Effects of abstinence on self-administration of many drugs have been documented but the impact on MDMA self-administration is unknown. OBJECTIVE This study compared the effects of abstinence on MDMA and cocaine self-administration. METHODS Six-hour daily MDMA or cocaine sessions were conducted until a total of 350 mg/kg had been self-administered. Following this, rats were randomly assigned to either a 0- or 14-day abstinence group. Self-administration testing then continued for an additional 7 days. RESULTS The latency to self-administer 350 mg/kg was shorter for rats that self-administered cocaine. The temporal distribution of responding within each test session also differed; MDMA self-administration was high during the first hour of each session, and decreased during subsequent hours, whereas cocaine self-administration was evenly distributed throughout each hour of the session. Abstinence decreased MDMA but not cocaine self-administration. CONCLUSIONS The selective reduction of MDMA self-administration following abstinence is consistent with the idea that MDMA-stimulated 5-HT release is inhibitory to MDMA self-administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quenten Highgate
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand
| | - Susan Schenk
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand.
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Botanas CJ, Yoon SS, de la Peña JB, dela Peña IJ, Kim M, Custodio RJ, Woo T, Seo JW, Jang CG, Yang JS, Yoon YM, Lee YS, Kim HJ, Cheong JH. A new synthetic drug 5-(2-aminopropyl)indole (5-IT) induces rewarding effects and increases dopamine D1 receptor and dopamine transporter mRNA levels. Behav Brain Res 2018; 341:122-128. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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High ambient temperature facilitates the acquisition of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) self-administration. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 163:38-49. [PMID: 29054819 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE MDMA alters body temperature in rats with a direction that depends on the ambient temperature (TA). The thermoregulatory effects of MDMA and TA may affect intravenous self-administration (IVSA) of MDMA but limited prior reports conflict. OBJECTIVE To determine how body temperature responses under high and low TA influence MDMA IVSA. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to IVSA MDMA (1.0mg/kg/infusion; 2-h sessions; FR5 schedule of reinforcement) under TA 20°C or 30°C. Radiotelemetry transmitters recorded body temperature and activity during IVSA. RESULTS MDMA intake increased under both TA during acquisition, but to a greater extent in the 30°C group. The magnitude of hypothermia was initially equivalent between groups but diminished over training in the 30°C group. Within-session activity was initially lower in the 30°C group, but by the end of acquisition and maintenance, activity was similar for both groups. When TA conditions were swapped, the hot-trained group increased MDMA IVSA under 20°C TA and a modest decrease in drug intake was observed in the cold-trained group under 30°C TA. Subsequent non-contingent MDMA (1.0-5.0mg/kg, i.v.) found that rats with higher MDMA IVSA rates showed blunted hypothermia compared with rats with lower IVSA levels; however, within-session activity did not differ by group. High TA increased intracranial self-stimulation thresholds in a different group of rats and MDMA reduced thresholds below baseline at low, but not high, TA. CONCLUSIONS High TA appears to enhance acquisition of MDMA IVSA through an aversive effect and not via thermoregulatory motivation.
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Aarde SM, Taffe MA. Predicting the Abuse Liability of Entactogen-Class, New and Emerging Psychoactive Substances via Preclinical Models of Drug Self-administration. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 32:145-164. [PMID: 27909988 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Animal models of drug self-administration are currently the gold standard for making predictions regarding the relative likelihood that a recreational drug substance will lead to continued use and addiction. Such models have been found to have high predictive accuracy and discriminative validity for a number of drug classes including ethanol, nicotine, opioids, and psychostimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Members of the entactogen class of psychostimulants (drugs that produce an "open mind state" including feelings of interpersonal closeness, intimacy and empathy) have been less frequently studied in self-administration models. The prototypical entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; "Ecstasy") supports self-administration but not with the same consistency nor with the same efficacy as structurally related drugs amphetamine or methamphetamine. Consistent with these observations, MDMA use is more episodic in the majority of those who use it frequently. Nevertheless, substantial numbers of MDMA users will meet the criteria for substance dependence at some point in their use history. This review examines the currently available evidence from rodent self-administration studies of MDMA and two of the new and emerging psychoactive substances (NPS) that produce entactogen type neuropharmacological responses - mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone; 4MMC; "meow meow") and methylone (3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone). Overall, the current evidence predicts that these NPS entactogens have enhanced abuse liability compared with MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn M Aarde
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders Mailcode SP30-2400, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Michael A Taffe
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders Mailcode SP30-2400, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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McAleer LM, Schallert T, Duvauchelle CL. Weekend Ecstasy use disrupts memory in rats. Neurosci Lett 2013; 549:173-6. [PMID: 23707649 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Revised: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or "Ecstasy") is a popular recreational drug. However, its exposure is often limited to the weekends in a highly stimulating environment. The goal of this study was to investigate the behavioral domains of working and recognition memory within a model of "weekend" Ecstasy use. Rats self-administered MDMA during 2-h sessions on two consecutive days followed by five drug-free days. Coupling this intermittent dosing schedule with a novel object recognition task, we found non-spatial memory impaired after only two "weekends" of self-administered MDMA. Our findings suggest that MDMA at recreational use levels can disrupt memory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah M McAleer
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 2409 University Avenue, Stop A1915, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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Feduccia AA, Kongovi N, Duvauchelle CL. Heat increases MDMA-enhanced NAcc 5-HT and body temperature, but not MDMA self-administration. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2010; 20:884-94. [PMID: 20888192 PMCID: PMC3225293 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2010.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2009] [Revised: 06/25/2010] [Accepted: 08/31/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
There is a concern that hot environments enhance adverse effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "Ecstasy"). In this study, long-term (4-weeks) daily MDMA self-administration sessions and an MDMA Challenge test were conducted with rats under normal and high thermal conditions (23° or 32°C). During MDMA self-administration sessions, activity and body temperature were increased by heat or MDMA experience, while MDMA self-administration rates increased with experience, but were comparable between thermal conditions. At the MDMA Challenge test (3.0 mg/kg, i.v.), in vivo microdialysis showed that nucleus accumbens serotonin (NAcc 5-HT) and dopamine (DA) responses were significantly increased in both thermal conditions. In the heated environment, MDMA-stimulated 5-HT responses and core temperature (but not DA) were significantly greater than at room temperature. Though the heated environment did not acutely boost MDMA intake, exaggerated NAcc 5-HT responses to MDMA may result in 5-HT depletion; a condition associated with Ecstasy use escalation and neural dysfunctions altering mood and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison A Feduccia
- University of Texas at Austin, PHAR-Pharmacology, 1 University Station A1915, Austin, TX 78712-0125, USA.
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Reveron ME, Maier EY, Duvauchelle CL. Behavioral, thermal and neurochemical effects of acute and chronic 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ("Ecstasy") self-administration. Behav Brain Res 2009; 207:500-7. [PMID: 19891989 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2009.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2009] [Revised: 10/23/2009] [Accepted: 10/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a popular methamphetamine derivative associated with young adults and all-night dance parties. However, the enduring effects of MDMA at voluntary intake levels have not been extensively investigated. In this study, MDMA-influenced behaviors and core temperatures were assessed over the course of 20 daily MDMA self-administration sessions in rats. In vivo microdialysis techniques were used in a subsequent MDMA challenge test session to determine extracellular nucleus accumbens dopamine (NAcc DA) and serotonin (5-HT) levels in MDMA-experienced and naïve animals before and after a self-administered MDMA injection (3.0mg/kg, i.v.). During self-administration sessions, gradual and significant increases in MDMA intake and MDMA-stimulated locomotor activity were observed across sessions. Core temperature significantly decreased during initial MDMA sessions, but was unaltered by the last 10 sessions. In the MDMA challenge test, MDMA-naïve rats showed significantly higher NAcc 5-HT responses compared to MDMA-experienced rats, though MDMA experience did not affect the magnitude of NAcc DA response. The overall findings suggest that changes in MDMA-induced responses over the course of increasing levels of drug exposure may reflect the development of tolerance to a number of MDMA effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Reveron
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712-0125, USA
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Feduccia AA, Duvauchelle CL. Auditory stimuli enhance MDMA-conditioned reward and MDMA-induced nucleus accumbens dopamine, serotonin and locomotor responses. Brain Res Bull 2008; 77:189-96. [PMID: 18722516 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2008.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2008] [Revised: 07/08/2008] [Accepted: 07/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), also known as ecstasy, is a popular drug often taken in environments rich in audio and visual stimulation, such as clubs and dance parties. The present experiments were conducted to test the notion that auditory stimulation influences the rewarding effects of MDMA. In Experiment 1, a conditioned place preference (CPP) procedure was conducted in which rats received MDMA (1.5mg/kg, s.c.) in a distinctive environment accompanied by music (65-75dB), white noise (70dB), or no added sound. Animals were pretreated with saline on alternating days in an alternate environment. Results revealed CPP in animals exposed to white noise during MDMA trials. For Experiment 2, rats from Experiment 1 had access to operant levers that delivered intravenous MDMA (0.5mg/kg/inj) or saline (0.1ml) on alternate days in the presence or absence of the same types of auditory stimuli as previously experienced. After three each of MDMA and non-reinforced (saline) sessions, animals were tested for NAcc DA and 5-HT responses to MDMA (1.5mg/kg) or saline under the same stimulus conditions. Findings revealed that NAcc DA and 5-HT increased after an MDMA injection, and both DA and 5-HT were significantly highest in animals exposed to music during the test session. These results indicate that paired sensorial stimuli can engage the same systems activated during drug use and enhance neurochemical and behavioral responses to MDMA administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison A Feduccia
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712-1074, USA.
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Dickerson SM, Walker DM, Reveron ME, Duvauchelle CL, Gore AC. The recreational drug ecstasy disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal reproductive axis in adult male rats. Neuroendocrinology 2008; 88:95-102. [PMID: 18309234 PMCID: PMC2753463 DOI: 10.1159/000119691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2007] [Accepted: 01/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive function involves an interaction of three regulatory levels: hypothalamus, pituitary, and gonad. The primary drive upon this system comes from hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurosecretory cells, which receive afferent inputs from other neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system to result in the proper coordination of reproduction and the environment. Here, we hypothesized that the recreational drug (+/-)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 'ecstasy'), which acts through several of the neurotransmitter systems that affect GnRH neurons, suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal reproductive axis of male rats. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats self-administered saline or MDMA either once (acute) or for 20 days (chronic) and were euthanized 7 days following the last administration. We quantified hypothalamic GnRH mRNA, serum luteinizing hormone concentrations, and serum testosterone levels as indices of hypothalamic, pituitary, and gonadal functions, respectively. The results indicate that the hypothalamic and gonadal levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis are significantly altered by MDMA, with GnRH mRNA and serum testosterone levels suppressed in rats administered MDMA compared to saline. Furthermore, our finding that hypothalamic GnRH mRNA levels are suppressed in the context of low testosterone concentrations suggests that the central GnRH neurosecretory system may be a primary target of inhibitory regulation by MDMA usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Dickerson
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Box A1915, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Deena M. Walker
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Box A1915, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Maria E. Reveron
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Box A1915, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Christine L. Duvauchelle
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Box A1915, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Box A1915, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Andrea C. Gore
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Box A1915, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Box A1915, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Institute for Cell & Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Box A1915, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Corresponding Author: Andrea C. Gore, Ph.D., Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, PHAR- Pharmacology, 1 University Station A1915, Austin, TX 78712-0125, USA, , Telephone: (512) 471-3669, Fax: (512) 471-5002
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Schenk S, Hely L, Lake B, Daniela E, Gittings D, Mash DC. MDMA self-administration in rats: acquisition, progressive ratio responding and serotonin transporter binding. Eur J Neurosci 2007; 26:3229-36. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2007.05932.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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