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Serra M, Simola N, Pollack AE, Costa G. Brain dysfunctions and neurotoxicity induced by psychostimulants in experimental models and humans: an overview of recent findings. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1908-1918. [PMID: 38227515 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that psychostimulants, in addition to having abuse potential, may elicit brain dysfunctions and/or neurotoxic effects. Central toxicity induced by psychostimulants may pose serious health risks since the recreational use of these substances is on the rise among young people and adults. The present review provides an overview of recent research, conducted between 2018 and 2023, focusing on brain dysfunctions and neurotoxic effects elicited in experimental models and humans by amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methylphenidate, caffeine, and nicotine. Detailed elucidation of factors and mechanisms that underlie psychostimulant-induced brain dysfunction and neurotoxicity is crucial for understanding the acute and enduring noxious brain effects that may occur in individuals who use psychostimulants for recreational and/or therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alexia E Pollack
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts-Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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2
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Alberto-Silva AS, Hemmer S, Bock HA, da Silva LA, Scott KR, Kastner N, Bhatt M, Niello M, Jäntsch K, Kudlacek O, Bossi E, Stockner T, Meyer MR, McCorvy JD, Brandt SD, Kavanagh P, Sitte HH. Bioisosteric analogs of MDMA: Improving the pharmacological profile? J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38898705 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy') is re-emerging in clinical settings as a candidate for the treatment of specific neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g. post-traumatic stress disorder) in combination with psychotherapy. MDMA is a psychoactive drug, typically regarded as an empathogen or entactogen, which leads to transporter-mediated monoamine release. Despite its therapeutic potential, MDMA can induce dose-, individual-, and context-dependent untoward effects outside safe settings. In this study, we investigated whether three new methylenedioxy bioisosteres of MDMA improve its off-target profile. In vitro methods included radiotracer assays, transporter electrophysiology, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer and fluorescence-based assays, pooled human liver microsome/S9 fraction incubations, metabolic stability studies, isozyme mapping, and liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. In silico methods included molecular docking. Compared with MDMA, all three MDMA bioisosteres (ODMA, TDMA, and SeDMA) showed similar pharmacological activity at human serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine transporters (hSERT, hDAT, and hNET, respectively) but decreased agonist activity at 5-HT2A/2B/2C receptors. Regarding their hepatic metabolism, they differed from MDMA, with N-demethylation being the only metabolic route shared, and without forming phase II metabolites. In addition, TDMA showed an enhanced intrinsic clearance in comparison to its congeners. Additional screening for their interaction with human organic cation transporters (hOCTs) and plasma membrane monoamine transporter (hPMAT) revealed a weaker interaction of the MDMA analogs with hOCT1, hOCT2, and hPMAT. Our findings suggest that these new MDMA bioisosteres might constitute appealing therapeutic alternatives to MDMA, sparing the primary pharmacological activity at hSERT, hDAT, and hNET, but displaying a reduced activity at 5-HT2A/2B/2C receptors and alternative hepatic metabolism. Whether these MDMA bioisosteres may pose lower risk alternatives to the clinically re-emerging MDMA warrants further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Alberto-Silva
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Selina Hemmer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Hailey A Bock
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Leticia Alves da Silva
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kenneth R Scott
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nina Kastner
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manan Bhatt
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Marco Niello
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kathrin Jäntsch
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oliver Kudlacek
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elena Bossi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Center for Research in Neuroscience, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Thomas Stockner
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - John D McCorvy
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Pierce Kavanagh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Harald H Sitte
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
- Center for Addiction Research and Science, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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3
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Alberto-Silva AS, Hemmer S, Bock HA, Alves da Silva L, Scott KR, Kastner N, Bhatt M, Niello M, Jäntsch K, Kudlacek O, Bossi E, Stockner T, Meyer MR, McCorvy JD, Brandt SD, Kavanagh P, Sitte HH. Bioisosteric analogs of MDMA with improved pharmacological profile. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.08.588083. [PMID: 38645142 PMCID: PMC11030374 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.08.588083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ' ecstasy' ) is re-emerging in clinical settings as a candidate for the treatment of specific psychiatric disorders (e.g. post-traumatic stress disorder) in combination with psychotherapy. MDMA is a psychoactive drug, typically regarded as an empathogen or entactogen, which leads to transporter-mediated monoamine release. Despite its therapeutic potential, MDMA can induce dose-, individual-, and context-dependent untoward effects outside safe settings. In this study, we investigated whether three new methylenedioxy bioisosteres of MDMA improve its off-target profile. In vitro methods included radiotracer assays, transporter electrophysiology, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer and fluorescence-based assays, pooled human liver microsome/S9 fraction incubation with isozyme mapping, and liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. In silico methods included molecular docking. Compared with MDMA, all three MDMA bioisosteres (ODMA, TDMA, and SeDMA) showed similar pharmacological activity at human serotonin and dopamine transporters (hSERT and hDAT, respectively) but decreased activity at 5-HT 2A/2B/2C receptors. Regarding their hepatic metabolism, they differed from MDMA, with N -demethylation being the only metabolic route shared, and without forming phase II metabolites. Additional screening for their interaction with human organic cation transporters (hOCTs) and plasma membrane transporter (hPMAT) revealed a weaker interaction of the MDMA analogs with hOCT1, hOCT2, and hPMAT. Our findings suggest that these new MDMA analogs might constitute appealing therapeutic alternatives to MDMA, sparing the primary pharmacological activity at hSERT and hDAT, but displaying a reduced activity at 5-HT 2A/2B/2C receptors and reduced hepatic metabolism. Whether these MDMA bioisosteres may pose lower risk alternatives to the clinically re-emerging MDMA warrants further studies.
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4
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Costa VM, Capela JP, Bastos ML, Remião F, Varner KJ, Duarte JA, Carvalho F. Study of the potential toxicity of adrenaline to neurons, using the SH-SY5Y human cellular model. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2023; 59. [DOI: 10.1590/s2175-97902023e20467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - João Paulo Capela
- University of Porto, Portugal; Universidade Fernando Pessoa, Portugal
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5
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Barbosa DJ, Capela JP, Ferreira LM, Branco PS, Fernandes E, de Lourdes Bastos M, Carvalho F. Ecstasy metabolites and monoamine neurotransmitters upshift the Na+/K+ ATPase activity in mouse brain synaptosomes. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:3279-3290. [PMID: 36104498 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03370-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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A review on the mitochondrial toxicity of “ecstasy” (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA). Curr Res Toxicol 2022; 3:100075. [PMID: 35651589 PMCID: PMC9149009 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2022.100075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
in vitro and in vivo studies on MDMA mitochondria toxicity are revised. MDMA causes ATP depletion and inhibition of mitochondrial complexes. MDMA or its metabolites impair mitochondrial trafficking in vitro. MDMA evokes deletion on mitochondrial DNA in vivo. A direct translation to humans is hampered by the doses and concentrations of MDMA.
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or “ecstasy”) is a drug of abuse used by millions worldwide. MDMA human abuse and dependence is well described, but addictive properties are not always consistent among studies. This amphetamine is a substrate type releaser, binding to monoamine transporters, leading to a pronounced release of serotonin and noradrenaline and to a minor extent dopamine. The toxicity of MDMA is well studied at the pre-clinical level, with neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity being particularly described. In this review, we describe the most relevant MDMA effects at the mitochondrial level found in in vitro and in vivo models, these later conducted in mice and rats. Most of these reports focus on the mitochondria of brain or liver. In in vitro models, MDMA causes depletion of ATP levels and inhibition of mitochondrial complex I and III, loss in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and induction of mitochondrial permeability transition. The involvement of mitochondria in the apoptotic cell death evoked by MDMA has also been shown, such as the release of cytochrome c. Additionally, MDMA or its metabolites impaired mitochondrial trafficking and increased the fragmentation of axonal mitochondria. In animal studies, MDMA decreased mitochondrial complex I activity and decreased ATP levels. Moreover, MDMA-evoked oxidative stress has been shown to cause deletion on mitochondrial DNA and impairment in mitochondrial protein synthesis. Although the concentrations and doses used in some studies do not always correlate to the human scenario, the mitochondrial abnormalities evoked by MDMA are well described and are in part responsible for its mechanism of toxicity.
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7
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Protective effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced spatial learning and memory impairment. Inflammopharmacology 2021; 29:1807-1818. [PMID: 34780009 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-021-00891-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or "Ecstasy", which has been used for recreational purposes, is shown to impair memory and brain functions. Statins, beyond their efficient cholesterol-lowering impact through inhibition of HMG-COA reductase enzyme, possess multiple actions referred to as pleiotropic effects. In this regard, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on MDMA-induced neurotoxicity. Adult male Wistar rats received atorvastatin (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg; orally) and rosuvastatin (5, 10, 20 mg/kg; orally) for 21 consecutive days. Then, spatial memory and learning were evaluated by Morris water maze (MWM) test. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with MDMA (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) 30 min before the first training session in 4 training days of MWM task. Afterward, rats were euthanized and their hippocampuses were dissected to evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and caspase-3 and -9 activities. Our findings showed that MDMA (5 and 10 mg/kg) significantly impaired spatial memory functions and dramatically increased ROS production, LPO, and caspase-3 and -9 activities compared to control. Also, atorvastatin (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) and rosuvastatin (20 mg/kg) significantly improved memory performances and inhibited the elevation of ROS, LPO, and caspase-3 and -9 activities induced by MDMA. In conclusion, the results indicated that MDMA-induced cognitive impairment is followed by oxidative stress and activation of apoptotic pathways in the hippocampus. However, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin suppressed these deleterious consequences of MDMA and revealed protective effects against activation of pathways leading to cell damage.
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Li IH, Shih JH, Yeh TY, Lin HC, Chen MH, Huang YS. Lysosomal Dysfunction and Autophagy Blockade Contribute to MDMA-Induced Neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells. Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 33:903-914. [PMID: 32186374 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a psychostimulant with high abuse potential and severe neurotoxicity. According to our previous study, MDMA promotes autophagosome accumulation and contributes to cell death in cultured cortical and serotonergic neurons. However, the detailed mechanism underlying autophagy dysfunction remains unclear. Lysosomes play an important role in autophagic degradation. The present study aimed to examine the role of lysosomal function in autophagic flux in neuronal cultures exposed to MDMA. We showed that MDMA induced enlarged vesicles that accumulate in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. In addition, we demonstrated that MDMA stimulated dynamin-dependent but clathrin-independent endocytosis, which might contribute to vacuole expansion. Morphological and Western blot analyses revealed that MDMA induced lysosomal swelling, whereas the activity of the lysosomal hydrolytic enzymes cathepsin B and cathepsin D was decreased in SH-SY5Y and cultured cortical neurons, which might lead to autophagosome accumulation and autophagic degradation blockage. Intriguingly, inactivation of cathepsins B and D led to cell death and autophagy-lysosomal dysregulation, which mimicked MDMA-induced neurotoxicity. Consequently, impairment of lysosomal proteolysis and blockage of autophagy degradation contributed to MDMA-induced neurotoxicity in neuronal cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Hsun Li
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei 114, Taiwan.,School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Hu Shih
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei 114, Taiwan.,School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yin Yeh
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Che Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hua Chen
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Armed Forces Taoyuan General Hospital, Taoyuan 325, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuahn-Sieh Huang
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
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Araújo AM, Enea M, Fernandes E, Carvalho F, de Lourdes Bastos M, Carvalho M, Guedes de Pinho P. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Hepatotoxicity under the Heat Stress Condition: Novel Insights from in Vitro Metabolomic Studies. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:1222-1234. [PMID: 31971386 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hyperthermia has been extensively reported as a life-threatening consequence of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) abuse. In this work, we used a sensitive untargeted metabolomic approach based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to evaluate the impact of hyperthermia on the hepatic metabolic changes caused by MDMA. For this purpose, primary mouse hepatocytes were exposed to subtoxic (LC01 and LC10) and toxic (LC30) concentrations of MDMA for 24 h, at 37 or 40.5 °C (simulating body temperature increase after MDMA consumption), and alterations on both intracellular metabolome and extracellular volatilome were evaluated. Multivariate analysis showed that metabolic patterns clearly discriminate MDMA treated cells from control cells, both in normothermic and hyperthermic conditions. The metabolic signature was found to be largely common to MDMA subtoxic and toxic concentrations, although with evident differences in the magnitude of response, with metabolic changes significantly more pronounced at 40.5 °C. Discriminant metabolites associated with MDMA-induced hepatotoxicity are mostly involved in the amino acid metabolism, aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and pyruvate metabolism. Moreover, our metabolomic findings were corroborated by classical toxicity parameters, demonstrating the high sensitivity of this omic approach to assess molecular-level effects. Overall, this study indicates that MDMA triggers significant metabolic alterations on hepatic cells, even at low concentrations, that are clearly exacerbated at high temperatures. These findings provide new metabolic pieces to solve the puzzle of MDMA's hepatotoxicity mechanism and emphasize the increased risks of MDMA abuse due to the thermogenic action of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Araújo
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Enea
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Fernandes
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Márcia Carvalho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.,UFP Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit (FP-ENAS), University Fernando Pessoa, Praça Nove de Abril, 349, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Guedes de Pinho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Soares J, Costa VM, Gaspar H, Santos S, de Lourdes Bastos M, Carvalho F, Capela JP. Structure-cytotoxicity relationship profile of 13 synthetic cathinones in differentiated human SH-SY5Y neuronal cells. Neurotoxicology 2019; 75:158-173. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Movassaghi S, Khazaei Koohpar Z, Hashemi M, Jafari Semnani S, Sharifi ZN. Neuroprotective Effect of Pentoxifylline on 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-Induced Apoptosis in CA1 Cells of Wistar Rat Hippocampus. Galen Med J 2019; 8:e963. [PMID: 34466455 PMCID: PMC8344151 DOI: 10.31661/gmj.v8i0.963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine is psychoactive and hallucinogenic and has been shown to produce neurotoxicity both in animals and in humans. Recently, vasodilator drugs such as pentoxifylline (PTX) have been introduced as an alternative with neuroprotective effects. There is no study about the protective effect of PTX on hippocampal apoptosis due to high-dose administration of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), so in this study, the protective effect of PTX on the hippocampus of male Wistar rats following high-dose of the drug has been investigated. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into four groups: control, sham (MDMA injection), experimental (MDMA+PTX injection), and vehicle (MDMA+saline) groups. Two weeks later, the brains were removed and prepared for TUNEL and western blot techniques. Concomitantly the hippocampus was removed to study the change in Bcl-2 and BAX mRNA expression with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Data showed that the number of apoptotic bodies significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to the other groups, except for in control. Also, further investigation revealed that BAX reduced considerably, while Bcl-2 mRNA expression increased dramatically after PTX treatment. Conclusions: Our results suggest that PTX may be a neuroprotective agent, and its neuroprotective potential may contribute to reducing the severity of lesions in the hippocampus following a high dose administration of MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Movassaghi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Khazaei Koohpar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Nadia Sharifi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Correspondence to: Zahra Nadia Sharifi, Anatomy Department, Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zargandeh Str., Shariati Str., Tehran, Iran Telephone Number: +98-21-22006660-7, 257 Email Address:
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Schiavone S, Neri M, Maffione AB, Frisoni P, Morgese MG, Trabace L, Turillazzi E. Increased iNOS and Nitrosative Stress in Dopaminergic Neurons of MDMA-Exposed Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E1242. [PMID: 30871034 PMCID: PMC6429174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Several mechanisms underlying 3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) neurotoxicity have been proposed, including neurochemical alterations and excitotoxicity mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). However, ROS, NO, and RNS sources in the brain are not fully known. We aimed to investigate possible alterations in the expression of the ROS producer NOX enzymes (NOX2, NOX1, and NOX4), NO generators (iNOS, eNOS, and nNOS), markers of oxidative (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, 8OHdG), and nitrosative (3-nitrotyrosine, NT) stress, as well as the colocalization between cells positive for the dopamine transporter (DT1) and cells expressing the neuronal nuclei (NeuN) marker, in the frontal cortex of rats receiving saline or MDMA, sacrificed 6 h, 16 h, or 24 h after its administration. MDMA did not affect NOX2, NOX1, and NOX4 immunoreactivity, whereas iNOS expression was enhanced. The number of NT-positive cells was increased in MDMA-exposed animals, whereas no differences were detected in 8OHdG expression among experimental groups. MDMA and NT markers colocalized with DT1 positive cells. DT1 immunostaining was found in NeuN-positive stained cells. Virtually no colocalization was observed with microglia and astrocytes. Moreover, MDMA immunostaining was not found in NOX2-positive cells. Our results suggest that iNOS-derived nitrosative stress, but not NOX enzymes, may have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of MDMA-induced neurotoxicity, highlighting the specificity of different enzymatic systems in the development of neuropathological alterations induced by the abuse of this psychoactive compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Schiavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 20, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Margherita Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, 70, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Angela Bruna Maffione
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 20, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Paolo Frisoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, 70, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Maria Grazia Morgese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 20, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 20, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Turillazzi
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Pathology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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13
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Dunlap LE, Andrews AM, Olson DE. Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:2408-2427. [PMID: 30001118 PMCID: PMC6197894 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Better known as "ecstasy", 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a small molecule that has played a prominent role in defining the ethos of today's teenagers and young adults, much like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) did in the 1960s. Though MDMA possesses structural similarities to compounds like amphetamine and mescaline, it produces subjective effects that are unlike any of the classical psychostimulants or hallucinogens and is one of the few compounds capable of reliably producing prosocial behavioral states. As a result, MDMA has captured the attention of recreational users, the media, artists, psychiatrists, and neuropharmacologists alike. Here, we detail the synthesis of MDMA as well as its pharmacology, metabolism, adverse effects, and potential use in medicine. Finally, we discuss its history and why it is perhaps the most important compound for the future of psychedelic science-having the potential to either facilitate new psychedelic research initiatives, or to usher in a second Dark Age for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee E Dunlap
- Department of Chemistry , University of California, Davis , One Shields Avenue , Davis , California 95616 , United States
| | - Anne M Andrews
- Departments of Psychiatry and Chemistry & Biochemistry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, and Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology , University of California , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
| | - David E Olson
- Department of Chemistry , University of California, Davis , One Shields Avenue , Davis , California 95616 , United States
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine , University of California, Davis , 2700 Stockton Blvd, Suite 2102 , Sacramento , California 95817 , United States
- Center for Neuroscience , University of California, Davis , 1544 Newton Ct , Davis , California 95616 , United States
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14
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Feio-Azevedo R, Costa VM, Barbosa DJ, Teixeira-Gomes A, Pita I, Gomes S, Pereira FC, Duarte-Araújo M, Duarte JA, Marques F, Fernandes E, Bastos ML, Carvalho F, Capela JP. Aged rats are more vulnerable than adolescents to “ecstasy”-induced toxicity. Arch Toxicol 2018; 92:2275-2295. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2226-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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15
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Fonseca DA, Guerra AF, Carvalho F, Fernandes E, Ferreira LM, Branco PS, Antunes PE, Antunes MJ, Cotrim MD. Hyperthermia Severely Affects the Vascular Effects of MDMA and Metabolites in the Human Internal Mammary Artery In Vitro. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2017; 17:405-416. [PMID: 28084566 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-017-9398-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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16
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Reis-Mendes A, Gomes AS, Carvalho RA, Carvalho F, Remião F, Pinto M, Bastos ML, Sousa E, Costa VM. Naphthoquinoxaline metabolite of mitoxantrone is less cardiotoxic than the parent compound and it can be a more cardiosafe drug in anticancer therapy. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:1871-1890. [PMID: 27629428 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1839-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mitoxantrone (MTX) is an antineoplastic agent used to treat several types of cancers and on multiple sclerosis, which shows a high incidence of cardiotoxicity. Still, the underlying mechanisms of MTX cardiotoxicity are poorly understood and the potential toxicity of its metabolites scarcely investigated. Therefore, this work aimed to synthesize the MTX-naphthoquinoxaline metabolite (NAPHT) and to compare its cytotoxicity to the parent compound in 7-day differentiated H9c2 cells using pharmacological relevant concentrations (0.01-5 µM). MTX was more toxic in equivalent concentrations in all cytotoxicity tests performed [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide reduction, neutral red uptake, and lactate dehydrogenase release assays] and times tested (24 and 48 h). Both MTX and NAPHT significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in 7-day differentiated H9c2 cells after a 12-h incubation. However, energetic pathways were affected in a different manner after MTX or NAPHT incubation. ATP increased and lactate levels decreased after a 24-h incubation with MTX, whereas for the same incubation time and concentrations, NAPHT did not cause any significant effect. The increased activity of ATP synthase seems responsible for MTX-induced increases in ATP levels, as oligomycin (an inhibitor of ATP synthase) abrogated this effect on 5 µM MTX-incubated cells. 3-Methyladenine (an autophagy inhibitor) was the only molecule to give a partial protection against the cytotoxicity produced by MTX or NAPHT. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first broad study on NAPHT cardiotoxicity, and it revealed that the parent drug, MTX, caused a higher disruption in the energetic pathways in a cardiac model in vitro, whereas autophagy is involved in the toxicity of both compounds. In conclusion, NAPHT is claimed to largely contribute to MTX-anticancer properties; therefore, this metabolite should be regarded as a good option for a safer anticancer therapy since it is less cardiotoxic than MTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Reis-Mendes
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
| | - A S Gomes
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.,Lab. Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Dep. Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, U. Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - R A Carvalho
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - F Carvalho
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - F Remião
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Pinto
- Lab. Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Dep. Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, U. Porto, Porto, Portugal.,CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Porto, Portugal
| | - M L Bastos
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - E Sousa
- Lab. Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Dep. Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, U. Porto, Porto, Portugal.,CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Porto, Portugal
| | - V M Costa
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
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17
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Teixeira-Gomes A, Costa VM, Feio-Azevedo R, Duarte JA, Duarte-Araújo M, Fernandes E, Bastos MDL, Carvalho F, Capela JP. "Ecstasy" toxicity to adolescent rats following an acute low binge dose. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2016; 17:28. [PMID: 27349892 PMCID: PMC4924304 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-016-0070-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "ecstasy") is a worldwide drug of abuse commonly used by adolescents. Most reports focus on MDMA's neurotoxicity and use high doses in adult animals, meanwhile studies in adolescents are scarce. We aimed to assess in rats the acute MDMA toxicity to the brain and peripheral organs using a binge dose scheme that tries to simulate human adolescent abuse. METHODS Adolescent rats (postnatal day 40) received three 5 mg/kg doses of MDMA (estimated equivalent to two/three pills in a 50 kg adolescent), intraperitoneally, every 2 h, while controls received saline. After 24 h animal sacrifice took place and collection of brain areas (cerebellum, hippocampus, frontal cortex and striatum) and peripheral organs (liver, heart and kidneys) occurred. RESULTS Significant hyperthermia was observed after the second and third MDMA doses, with mean increases of 1 °C as it occurs in the human scenario. MDMA promoted ATP levels fall in the frontal cortex. No brain oxidative stress-related changes were observed after MDMA. MDMA-treated rat organs revealed significant histological tissue alterations including vascular congestion, but no signs of apoptosis or necrosis were found, which was corroborated by the lack of changes in plasma biomarkers and tissue caspases. In peripheral organs, MDMA did not affect significantly protein carbonylation, glutathione, or ATP levels, but liver presented a higher vulnerability as MDMA promoted an increase in quinoprotein levels. CONCLUSIONS Adolescent rats exposed to a moderate MDMA dose, presented hyperthermia and acute tissue damage to peripheral organs without signs of brain oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armanda Teixeira-Gomes
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Vera Marisa Costa
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Feio-Azevedo
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Margarida Duarte-Araújo
- Biotério do Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Fernandes
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Química Aplicada, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Capela
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
- FP-ENAS (Unidade de Investigação UFP em Energia, Ambiente e Saúde), CEBIMED (Centro de Estudos em Biomedicina), Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal.
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18
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Valente MJ, Araújo AM, Bastos MDL, Fernandes E, Carvalho F, Guedes de Pinho P, Carvalho M. Editor's Highlight: Characterization of Hepatotoxicity Mechanisms Triggered by Designer Cathinone Drugs (β-Keto Amphetamines). Toxicol Sci 2016; 153:89-102. [PMID: 27255387 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfw105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of cathinone designer drugs in recreational settings has been associated with severe toxic effects, including liver damage. The precise mechanisms by which cathinones induce hepatotoxicity and whether they act by common pathways remain to be elucidated. Herein, we assessed the toxicity of the cathinones methylone, pentedrone, 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC) in primary rat hepatocytes (PRH) and HepaRG cells, and compared with that of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). MDPV and pentedrone were significantly more toxic than MDMA, while methylone was the least cytotoxic compound. Importantly, PRH revealed to be the most sensitive experimental model and was thus used to explore the mechanisms underlying the observed toxicity. All drugs elicited the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), but more markedly for methylone, pentedrone and 4-MEC. GSH depletion was also a common effect at the highest concentration tested, whereas only MDPV and pentedrone caused a significant decrease in ATP levels. The antioxidants ascorbic acid or N-acetyl-L-cysteine partially attenuated the observed cell death. All cathinones triggered significant caspase activation and apoptosis, which was partially reversed by the caspase inhibitor Ac-LETD-CHO. In conclusion, the present data shows that (1) cathinones induce in vitro hepatotoxic effects that vary in magnitude among the different analogues, (2) oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play a role in cathinones-induced hepatic injury, and (3) apoptosis appears to be an important pathway of cell death elicited by these novel drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Valente
- *UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal;
| | - Ana Margarida Araújo
- *UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- *UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Fernandes
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- *UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Guedes de Pinho
- *UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Márcia Carvalho
- *UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; FP-ENAS, CEBIMED, Fundação Ensino e Cultura Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
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19
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Moratalla R, Khairnar A, Simola N, Granado N, García-Montes JR, Porceddu PF, Tizabi Y, Costa G, Morelli M. Amphetamine-related drugs neurotoxicity in humans and in experimental animals: Main mechanisms. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 155:149-170. [PMID: 26455459 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amphetamine-related drugs, such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and methamphetamine (METH), are popular recreational psychostimulants. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that, besides having the potential for abuse, amphetamine-related drugs may also elicit neurotoxic and neuroinflammatory effects. The neurotoxic potentials of MDMA and METH to dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons have been clearly demonstrated in both rodents and non-human primates. This review summarizes the species-specific cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in MDMA and METH-mediated neurotoxic and neuroinflammatory effects, along with the most important behavioral changes elicited by these substances in experimental animals and humans. Emphasis is placed on the neuropsychological and neurological consequences associated with the neuronal damage. Moreover, we point out the gap in our knowledge and the need for developing appropriate therapeutic strategies to manage the neurological problems associated with amphetamine-related drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Moratalla
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; CIBERNED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Amit Khairnar
- Applied Neuroscience Research Group, CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Noelia Granado
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; CIBERNED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Ruben García-Montes
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; CIBERNED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pier Francesca Porceddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy
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20
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Barbosa DJ, Capela JP, de Lourdes Bastos M, Carvalho F. In vitro models for neurotoxicology research. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2015; 4:801-842. [DOI: 10.1039/c4tx00043a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The nervous system has a highly complex organization, including many cell types with multiple functions, with an intricate anatomy and unique structural and functional characteristics; the study of its (dys)functionality following exposure to xenobiotics, neurotoxicology, constitutes an important issue in neurosciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel José Barbosa
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia)
- Laboratório de Toxicologia
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas
- Faculdade de Farmácia
- Universidade do Porto
| | - João Paulo Capela
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia)
- Laboratório de Toxicologia
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas
- Faculdade de Farmácia
- Universidade do Porto
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia)
- Laboratório de Toxicologia
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas
- Faculdade de Farmácia
- Universidade do Porto
| | - Félix Carvalho
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia)
- Laboratório de Toxicologia
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas
- Faculdade de Farmácia
- Universidade do Porto
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21
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Green AR, King MV, Shortall SE, Fone KCF. The preclinical pharmacology of mephedrone; not just MDMA by another name. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:2251-68. [PMID: 24654568 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The substituted β-keto amphetamine mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) was banned in the UK in April 2010 but continues to be used recreationally in the UK and elsewhere. Users have compared its psychoactive effects to those of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy'). This review critically examines the preclinical data on mephedrone that have appeared over the last 2-3 years and, where relevant, compares the pharmacological effects of mephedrone in experimental animals with those obtained following MDMA administration. Both mephedrone and MDMA enhance locomotor activity and change rectal temperature in rodents. However, both of these responses are of short duration following mephedrone compared with MDMA probably because mephedrone has a short plasma half-life and rapid metabolism. Mephedrone appears to have no pharmacologically active metabolites, unlike MDMA. There is also little evidence that mephedrone induces a neurotoxic decrease in monoamine concentration in rat or mouse brain, again in contrast to MDMA. Mephedrone and MDMA both induce release of dopamine and 5-HT in the brain as shown by in vivo and in vitro studies. The effect on 5-HT release in vivo is more marked with mephedrone even though both drugs have similar affinity for the dopamine and 5-HT transporters in vitro. The profile of action of mephedrone on monoamine receptors and transporters suggests it could have a high abuse liability and several studies have found that mephedrone supports self-administration at a higher rate than MDMA. Overall, current data suggest that mephedrone not only differs from MDMA in its pharmacological profile, behavioural and neurotoxic effects, but also differs from other cathinones.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Green
- School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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22
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Teixeira‐Gomes A, Costa VM, Feio‐Azevedo R, Bastos MDL, Carvalho F, Capela JP. The neurotoxicity of amphetamines during the adolescent period. Int J Dev Neurosci 2014; 41:44-62. [PMID: 25482046 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Armanda Teixeira‐Gomes
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de FarmáciaUniversidade do PortoRua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 2284050‐313PortoPortugal
| | - Vera Marisa Costa
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de FarmáciaUniversidade do PortoRua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 2284050‐313PortoPortugal
| | - Rita Feio‐Azevedo
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de FarmáciaUniversidade do PortoRua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 2284050‐313PortoPortugal
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de FarmáciaUniversidade do PortoRua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 2284050‐313PortoPortugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de FarmáciaUniversidade do PortoRua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 2284050‐313PortoPortugal
| | - João Paulo Capela
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de FarmáciaUniversidade do PortoRua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 2284050‐313PortoPortugal
- Faculdade de Ciências da SaúdeUniversidade Fernando PessoaRua Carlos da Maia, 2964200‐150PortoPortugal
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23
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Nogueira T, da Costa Araújo S, Carvalho F, Pereira F, Fernandes E, Bastos M, Costa V, Capela J. Modeling chronic brain exposure to amphetamines using primary rat neuronal cortical cultures. Neuroscience 2014; 277:417-34. [PMID: 25047998 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Repeated doses of methylone, a new drug of abuse, induce changes in serotonin and dopamine systems in the mouse. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:3119-29. [PMID: 24705904 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3493-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Methylone, a new drug of abuse sold as "bath salts," has similar effects to ecstasy or cocaine. OBJECTIVE We have investigated changes in dopaminergic and serotoninergic markers, indicative of neuronal damage induced by methylone in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum of mice, according to two different treatment schedules. METHODS Methylone was given subcutaneously to male Swiss CD1 mice at an ambient temperature of 26 °C. Treatment A consisted of three doses of 25 mg/kg at 3.5-h intervals between doses for two consecutive days, and treatment B consisted of four doses of 25 mg/kg at 3-h intervals in 1 day. RESULTS Repeated methylone administration induced hyperthermia and a significant loss in body weight. Following treatment A, methylone induced transient dopaminergic (frontal cortex) and serotoninergic (hippocampus) impairment. Following treatment B, transient dopaminergic (frontal cortex) and serotonergic (frontal cortex and hippocampus) changes 7 days after treatment were found. We found evidence of astrogliosis in the CA1 and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus following treatment B. The animals also showed an increase in immobility time in the forced swim test, pointing to a depressive-like behavior. In cultured cortical neurons, methylone (for 24 and 48 h) did not induce a remarkable cytotoxic effect. CONCLUSIONS The neural effects of methylone differ depending upon the treatment schedule. Neurochemical changes elicited by methylone are apparent when administered at an elevated ambient temperature, four times per day at 3-h intervals, which is in accordance with its short half-life.
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25
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Barbosa DJ, Serrat R, Mirra S, Quevedo M, de Barreda EG, Àvila J, Ferreira LM, Branco PS, Fernandes E, Lourdes Bastos MD, Capela JP, Soriano E, Carvalho F. The mixture of "ecstasy" and its metabolites impairs mitochondrial fusion/fission equilibrium and trafficking in hippocampal neurons, at in vivo relevant concentrations. Toxicol Sci 2014; 139:407-20. [PMID: 24595818 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfu042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; "ecstasy") is a potentially neurotoxic recreational drug of abuse. Though the mechanisms involved are still not completely understood, formation of reactive metabolites and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to MDMA-related neurotoxicity. Neuronal mitochondrial trafficking, and their targeting to synapses, is essential for proper neuronal function and survival, rendering neurons particularly vulnerable to mitochondrial dysfunction. Indeed, MDMA-associated disruption of Ca(2+) homeostasis and ATP depletion have been described in neurons, thus suggesting possible MDMA interference on mitochondrial dynamics. In this study, we performed real-time functional experiments of mitochondrial trafficking to explore the role of in situ mitochondrial dysfunction in MDMA's neurotoxic actions. We show that the mixture of MDMA and six of its major in vivo metabolites, each compound at 10μM, impaired mitochondrial trafficking and increased the fragmentation of axonal mitochondria in cultured hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, the overexpression of mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) or dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) K38A constructs almost completely rescued the trafficking deficits caused by this mixture. Finally, in hippocampal neurons overexpressing a Mfn2 mutant, Mfn2 R94Q, with impaired fusion and transport properties, it was confirmed that a dysregulation of mitochondrial fission/fusion events greatly contributed to the reported trafficking phenotype. In conclusion, our study demonstrated, for the first time, that the mixture of MDMA and its metabolites, at concentrations relevant to the in vivo scenario, impaired mitochondrial trafficking and increased mitochondrial fragmentation in hippocampal neurons, thus providing a new insight in the context of "ecstasy"-induced neuronal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel José Barbosa
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Downey C, Daly F, O’Boyle K. An in vitro approach to assessing a potential drug interaction between MDMA (ecstasy) and caffeine. Toxicol In Vitro 2014; 28:231-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2013.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Revised: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Barbosa DJ, Serrat R, Ferreira LM, Branco PS, Bastos MDL, Capela JP, Soriano E, Carvalho F. Neuronal Mitochondrial Trafficking Impairment: The Cause or a Consequence of Neuronal Dysfunction Caused by Amphetamine-Like Drugs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.4303/jdar/235868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Barbosa DJ, Capela JP, Silva R, Ferreira LM, Branco PS, Fernandes E, Bastos ML, Carvalho F. "Ecstasy"-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y differentiated cells: role of hyperthermia and metabolites. Arch Toxicol 2013; 88:515-31. [PMID: 24177245 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-013-1147-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; "ecstasy") is a recreational hallucinogenic drug of abuse known to elicit neurotoxic properties. Hepatic formation of neurotoxic metabolites is thought to play a major role in MDMA-related neurotoxicity, though the mechanisms involved are still unclear. Here, we studied the neurotoxicity mechanisms and stability of MDMA and 6 of its major human metabolites, namely α-methyldopamine (α-MeDA) and N-methyl-α-methyldopamine (N-Me-α-MeDA) and their correspondent glutathione (GSH) and N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) conjugates, under normothermic (37 °C) or hyperthermic conditions (40 °C), using cultured SH-SY5Y differentiated cells. We showed that MDMA metabolites exhibited toxicity to SH-SY5Y differentiated cells, being the GSH and NAC conjugates more toxic than their catecholic precursors and MDMA. Furthermore, whereas the toxicity of the catechol metabolites was potentiated by hyperthermia, NAC-conjugated metabolites revealed higher toxicity under normothermia and GSH-conjugated metabolites-induced toxicity was temperature-independent. Moreover, a time-dependent decrease in extracellular concentration of MDMA metabolites was observed, which was potentiated by hyperthermia. The antioxidant NAC significantly protected against the neurotoxic effects of MDMA metabolites. MDMA metabolites increased intracellular glutathione levels, though depletion in thiol content was observed in MDMA-exposed cells. Finally, the neurotoxic effects induced by the MDMA metabolite N-Me-α-MeDA involved caspase 3 activation. In conclusion, this study evaluated the stability of MDMA metabolites in vitro, and demonstrated that the catechol MDMA metabolites and their GSH and NAC conjugates, rather than MDMA itself, exhibited neurotoxic actions in SH-SY5Y differentiated cells, which were differently affected by hyperthermia, thus highlighting a major role for reactive metabolites and hyperthermia in MDMA's neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel José Barbosa
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal,
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Barbosa DJ, Capela JP, Silva R, Vilas-Boas V, Ferreira LM, Branco PS, Fernandes E, Bastos MDL, Carvalho F. The mixture of “ecstasy” and its metabolites is toxic to human SH-SY5Y differentiated cells at in vivo relevant concentrations. Arch Toxicol 2013; 88:455-73. [PMID: 24101030 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-013-1120-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Dias da Silva D, Silva E, Carmo H. Cytotoxic effects of amphetamine mixtures in primary hepatocytes are severely aggravated under hyperthermic conditions. Toxicol In Vitro 2013; 27:1670-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2013.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Revised: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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31
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Mixtures of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) and its major human metabolites act additively to induce significant toxicity to liver cells when combined at low, non-cytotoxic concentrations. J Appl Toxicol 2013; 34:618-27. [PMID: 23670916 DOI: 10.1002/jat.2885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Ferreira PS, Nogueira TB, Costa VM, Branco PS, Ferreira LM, Fernandes E, Bastos ML, Meisel A, Carvalho F, Capela JP. Neurotoxicity of “ecstasy” and its metabolites in human dopaminergic differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Toxicol Lett 2013. [PMID: 23194825 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2012.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Kermanian F, Mehdizadeh M, Soleimani M, Ebrahimzadeh Bideskan AR, Asadi-Shekaari M, Kheradmand H, Haghir H. The role of adenosine receptor agonist and antagonist on Hippocampal MDMA detrimental effects; a structural and behavioral study. Metab Brain Dis 2012; 27:459-69. [PMID: 22961480 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-012-9334-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
There is abundant evidence showing that repeated use of MDMA (3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ecstasy) has been associated with depression, anxiety and deficits in learning and memory, suggesting detrimental effects on hippocampus. Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside that has a neuromodulatory role in the central nervous system. In the present study, we investigated the role of A2a adenosine receptors agonist (CGS) and antagonist (SCH) on the body temperature, learning deficits, and hippocampal cell death induced by MDMA administration. In this study, 63 adult, male, Sprague - Dawley rats were subjected to MDMA (10 and 20 mg/kg) followed by intraperitoneal CGS (0.03 mg/kg) or SCH (0.03 mg/kg) injection. The animals were tested for spatial learning in the Morris water maze (MWM) task performance, accompanied by a recording of body temperature, electron microscopy and stereological study. Our results showed that MDMA treatment increased body temperature significantly, and impaired the ability of rats to locate the hidden platform(P < 0.05). The number of hippocampal dark neurons also increased especially in CA1. These impairments were aggravated by co-administration of A2a antagonist (SCH) with MDMA. Furthermore, the administration of the A2a receptor agonist (CGS) provided partial protection against MWM deficits and hippocampal cell death(P < 0.05). This study provides for the first time evidence that, in contrast to A2a antagonist (SCH) effects, co-administration of A2a agonist (CGS) with MDMA can protect against MDMA hippocampal neurotoxic effects; providing a potential value in the prevention of learning deficits observed in MDMA users. However, the exact mechanism of these interactions requires further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Kermanian
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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The risky cocktail: what combination effects can we expect between ecstasy and other amphetamines? Arch Toxicol 2012; 87:111-22. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-012-0929-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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35
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Capela JP, da Costa Araújo S, Costa VM, Ruscher K, Fernandes E, Bastos MDL, Dirnagl U, Meisel A, Carvalho F. The neurotoxicity of hallucinogenic amphetamines in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons. Neurotoxicology 2012; 34:254-63. [PMID: 22983118 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2012.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "Ecstasy") and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine hydrochloride (DOI) are hallucinogenic amphetamines with addictive properties. The hippocampus is involved in learning and memory and seems particularly vulnerable to amphetamine's neurotoxicity. We evaluated the neurotoxicity of DOI and MDMA in primary neuronal cultures of hippocampus obtained from Wistar rat embryos (E-17 to E-19). Mature neurons after 10 days in culture were exposed for 24 or 48 h either to MDMA (100-800 μM) or DOI (10-100 μM). Both the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and the tetrazolium-based (MTT) assays revealed a concentration- and time-dependent neuronal death and mitochondrial dysfunction after exposure to both drugs. Both drugs promoted a significant increase in caspase-8 and caspase-3 activities. At concentrations that produced similar levels of neuronal death, DOI promoted a higher increase in the activity of both caspases than MDMA. In the mitochondrial fraction of neurons exposed 24h to DOI or MDMA, we found a significant increase in the 67 kDa band of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) by Western blot. Moreover, 24h exposure to DOI promoted an increase in cytochrome c in the cytoplasmatic fraction of neurons. Pre-treatment with an antibody raised against the 5-HT(2A)-receptor (an irreversible antagonist) greatly attenuated neuronal death promoted by 48 h exposure to DOI or MDMA. In conclusion, hallucinogenic amphetamines promoted programmed neuronal death involving both the mitochondria machinery and the extrinsic cell death key regulators. Death was dependent, at least in part, on the stimulation of the 5-HT(2A)-receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Paulo Capela
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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Green AR, King MV, Shortall SE, Fone KCF. Lost in translation: preclinical studies on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine provide information on mechanisms of action, but do not allow accurate prediction of adverse events in humans. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 166:1523-36. [PMID: 22188379 PMCID: PMC3419898 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01819.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2011] [Revised: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) induces both acute adverse effects and long-term neurotoxic loss of brain 5-HT neurones in laboratory animals. However, when choosing doses, most preclinical studies have paid little attention to the pharmacokinetics of the drug in humans or animals. The recreational use of MDMA and current clinical investigations of the drug for therapeutic purposes demand better translational pharmacology to allow accurate risk assessment of its ability to induce adverse events. Recent pharmacokinetic studies on MDMA in animals and humans are reviewed and indicate that the risks following MDMA ingestion should be re-evaluated. Acute behavioural and body temperature changes result from rapid MDMA-induced monoamine release, whereas long-term neurotoxicity is primarily caused by metabolites of the drug. Therefore acute physiological changes in humans are fairly accurately mimicked in animals by appropriate dosing, although allometric dosing calculations have little value. Long-term changes require MDMA to be metabolized in a similar manner in experimental animals and humans. However, the rate of metabolism of MDMA and its major metabolites is slower in humans than rats or monkeys, potentially allowing endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms to function in a species specific manner. Furthermore acute hyperthermia in humans probably limits the chance of recreational users ingesting sufficient MDMA to produce neurotoxicity, unlike in the rat. MDMA also inhibits the major enzyme responsible for its metabolism in humans thereby also assisting in preventing neurotoxicity. These observations question whether MDMA alone produces long-term 5-HT neurotoxicity in human brain, although when taken in combination with other recreational drugs it may induce neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Green
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, UK.
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37
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Barbosa DJ, Capela JP, Oliveira JM, Silva R, Ferreira LM, Siopa F, Branco PS, Fernandes E, Duarte JA, de Lourdes Bastos M, Carvalho F. Pro-oxidant effects of Ecstasy and its metabolites in mouse brain synaptosomes. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165:1017-33. [PMID: 21506960 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01453.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or 'Ecstasy') is a worldwide major drug of abuse known to elicit neurotoxic effects. The mechanisms underlying the neurotoxic effects of MDMA are not clear at present, but the metabolism of dopamine and 5-HT by monoamine oxidase (MAO), as well as the hepatic biotransformation of MDMA into pro-oxidant reactive metabolites is thought to contribute to its adverse effects. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using mouse brain synaptosomes, we evaluated the pro-oxidant effects of MDMA and its metabolites, α-methyldopamine (α-MeDA), N-methyl-α-methyldopamine (N-Me-α-MeDA) and 5-(glutathion-S-yl)-α-methyldopamine [5-(GSH)-α-MeDA], as well as those of 5-HT, dopamine, l-DOPA and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC). KEY RESULTS 5-HT, dopamine, l-DOPA, DOPAC and MDMA metabolites α-MeDA, N-Me-α-MeDA and 5-(GSH)-α-MeDA, concentration- and time-dependently increased H(2) O(2 ) production, which was significantly reduced by the antioxidants N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), ascorbic acid and melatonin. From experiments with MAO inhibitors, it was observed that H(2) O(2) generation induced by 5-HT was totally dependent on MAO-related metabolism, while for dopamine, it was a minor pathway. The MDMA metabolites, dopamine, l-DOPA and DOPAC concentration-dependently increased quinoproteins formation and, like 5-HT, altered the synaptosomal glutathione status. Finally, none of the compounds modified the number of polarized mitochondria in the synaptosomal preparations, and the compounds' pro-oxidant effects were unaffected by prior mitochondrial depolarization, excluding a significant role for mitochondrial-dependent mechanisms of toxicity in this experimental model. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS MDMA metabolites along with high levels of monoamine neurotransmitters can be major effectors of neurotoxicity induced by Ecstasy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel José Barbosa
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Carvalho M, Carmo H, Costa VM, Capela JP, Pontes H, Remião F, Carvalho F, Bastos MDL. Toxicity of amphetamines: an update. Arch Toxicol 2012; 86:1167-231. [PMID: 22392347 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-012-0815-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Amphetamines represent a class of psychotropic compounds, widely abused for their stimulant, euphoric, anorectic, and, in some cases, emphathogenic, entactogenic, and hallucinogenic properties. These compounds derive from the β-phenylethylamine core structure and are kinetically and dynamically characterized by easily crossing the blood-brain barrier, to resist brain biotransformation and to release monoamine neurotransmitters from nerve endings. Although amphetamines are widely acknowledged as synthetic drugs, of which amphetamine, methamphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) are well-known examples, humans have used natural amphetamines for several millenniums, through the consumption of amphetamines produced in plants, namely cathinone (khat), obtained from the plant Catha edulis and ephedrine, obtained from various plants in the genus Ephedra. More recently, a wave of new amphetamines has emerged in the market, mainly constituted of cathinone derivatives, including mephedrone, methylone, methedrone, and buthylone, among others. Although intoxications by amphetamines continue to be common causes of emergency department and hospital admissions, it is frequent to find the sophism that amphetamine derivatives, namely those appearing more recently, are relatively safe. However, human intoxications by these drugs are increasingly being reported, with similar patterns compared to those previously seen with classical amphetamines. That is not surprising, considering the similar structures and mechanisms of action among the different amphetamines, conferring similar toxicokinetic and toxicological profiles to these compounds. The aim of the present review is to give an insight into the pharmacokinetics, general mechanisms of biological and toxicological actions, and the main target organs for the toxicity of amphetamines. Although there is still scarce knowledge from novel amphetamines to draw mechanistic insights, the long-studied classical amphetamines-amphetamine itself, as well as methamphetamine and MDMA, provide plenty of data that may be useful to predict toxicological outcome to improvident abusers and are for that reason the main focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia Carvalho
- REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal
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Escubedo E, Abad S, Torres I, Camarasa J, Pubill D. Comparative neurochemical profile of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and its metabolite alpha-methyldopamine on key targets of MDMA neurotoxicity. Neurochem Int 2011; 58:92-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2010.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2010] [Revised: 08/31/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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40
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Effect of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine on dendritic spine dynamics in rat neocortical neurons — Involvement of heat shock protein 27. Brain Res 2011; 1370:43-52. [PMID: 21075084 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Revised: 11/01/2010] [Accepted: 11/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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41
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Yagi H, Yanagisawa M, Kato K, Yu RK. Lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 is a major SSEA-1-carrier protein in mouse neural stem cells. Glycobiology 2010; 20:976-81. [PMID: 20360060 PMCID: PMC2902283 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwq054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2010] [Revised: 03/21/2010] [Accepted: 03/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Stage-specific embryonic antigen-1 (SSEA-1) is a well-known carbohydrate antigenic epitope of undifferentiated cells, including neural stem cells (NSCs). However, the exact nature of the carrier proteins has not been fully characterized. Using proteomics analyses, we herein report that a lysosomal protein, LAMP-1, is a major carrier protein of SSEA-1 in NSCs, despite the common belief that SSEA-1 is mainly expressed on the cell surface and constitutes a component of the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, we found that SSEA-1 on LAMP-1 is completely ablated in differentiated cells derived from NSCs. Our finding raises the possibility that the expression of SSEA-1-positive LAMP-1 is associated with the "stemness" of NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Yagi
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics and Institute of Neuroscience, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, 3-1 Tanabe-dori, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan
| | - Makoto Yanagisawa
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics and Institute of Neuroscience, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Koichi Kato
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, 3-1 Tanabe-dori, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan
- Institute for Molecular Science and Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Robert K Yu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics and Institute of Neuroscience, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Plaza-Zabala A, Berrendero F, Suarez J, Bermudez-Silva FJ, Fernandez-Espejo E, Serrano A, Pavon FJ, Parsons LH, De Fonseca FR, Maldonado R, Robledo P. Effects of the endogenous PPAR-α agonist, oleoylethanolamide on MDMA-induced cognitive deficits in mice. Synapse 2010; 64:379-89. [DOI: 10.1002/syn.20733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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43
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Gomes D, de Pinho PG, Pontes H, Ferreira L, Branco P, Remião F, Carvalho F, Bastos ML, Carmo H. Gas chromatography–ion trap mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous measurement of MDMA (ecstasy) and its metabolites, MDA, HMA, and HMMA in plasma and urine. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2010; 878:815-22. [PMID: 20167546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2010.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2009] [Revised: 01/25/2010] [Accepted: 01/27/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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44
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Cloonan SM, Keating JJ, Butler SG, Knox AJ, Jørgensen AM, Peters GH, Rai D, Corrigan D, Lloyd DG, Williams DC, Meegan MJ. Synthesis and serotonin transporter activity of sulphur-substituted α-alkyl phenethylamines as a new class of anticancer agents. Eur J Med Chem 2009; 44:4862-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2009.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2009] [Revised: 07/08/2009] [Accepted: 07/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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45
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MDMA (Ecstasy) Decreases the Number of Neurons and Stem Cells in Embryonic Cortical Cultures. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2009; 30:13-21. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-009-9426-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2008] [Accepted: 06/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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46
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Capela JP, Carmo H, Remião F, Bastos ML, Meisel A, Carvalho F. Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Ecstasy-Induced Neurotoxicity: An Overview. Mol Neurobiol 2009; 39:210-71. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-009-8064-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2008] [Accepted: 02/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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47
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Alves E, Summavielle T, Alves CJ, Custódio JBA, Fernandes E, de Lourdes Bastos M, Tavares MA, Carvalho F. Ecstasy-induced oxidative stress to adolescent rat brain mitochondria in vivo: influence of monoamine oxidase type A. Addict Biol 2009; 14:185-93. [PMID: 19076925 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2008.00143.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The administration of a neurotoxic dose of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 'ecstasy') to the rat results in mitochondrial oxidative damage in the central nervous system, namely lipid and protein oxidation and mitochondrial DNA deletions with subsequent impairment of the correspondent protein expression. Although these toxic effects were shown to be prevented by monoamine oxidase B inhibition, the role of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) in MDMA-mediated mitochondrial damage remains to be evaluated. Thus, the aim of the present study was to clarify the potential interference of a specific inhibition of MAO-A by clorgyline, on the deleterious effects produced by a binge administration of a neurotoxic dose of MDMA (10 mg MDMA/kg of body weight, intraperitoneally, every 2 hours in a total of four administrations) to an adolescent rat model. The parameters evaluated were mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation and expression of the respiratory chain protein subunits II of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase (NDII) and I of cytochrome oxidase (COXI). Considering that hyperthermia has been shown to contribute to the neurotoxic effects of MDMA, another objective of the present study was to evaluate the body temperature changes mediated by MDMA with a MAO-A selective inhibition by clorgyline. The obtained results demonstrated that the administration of a neurotoxic binge dose of MDMA to an adolescent rat model previously treated with the specific MAO-A inhibitor, clorgyline, resulted in synergistic effects on serotonin- (5-HT) mediated behaviour and body temperature, provoking high mortality. Inhibition of MAO-A by clorgyline administration had no protective effect on MDMA-induced alterations on brain mitochondria (increased lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation and decrease in the expression of the respiratory chain subunits NDII and COXI), although it aggravated MDMA-induced decrease in the expression of COXI. These results reinforce the notion that the concomitant use of MAO-A inhibitors and MDMA is counter indicated because of the resulting severe synergic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ema Alves
- Grupo Neurocomportamento, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), University of Porto (UP), Porto, Portugal
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Costa VM, Ferreira LM, Branco PS, Carvalho F, Bastos ML, Carvalho RA, Carvalho M, Remião F. Cross-Functioning between the Extraneuronal Monoamine Transporter and Multidrug Resistance Protein 1 in the Uptake of Adrenaline and Export of 5-(Glutathion-S-yl)adrenaline in Rat Cardiomyocytes. Chem Res Toxicol 2008; 22:129-135. [DOI: 10.1021/tx8002577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Marisa Costa
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal, Neurosciences Center of Coimbra, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal, and CEBIMED, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luísa Maria Ferreira
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal, Neurosciences Center of Coimbra, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal, and CEBIMED, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Sério Branco
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal, Neurosciences Center of Coimbra, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal, and CEBIMED, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal, Neurosciences Center of Coimbra, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal, and CEBIMED, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Lourdes Bastos
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal, Neurosciences Center of Coimbra, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal, and CEBIMED, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Albuquerque Carvalho
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal, Neurosciences Center of Coimbra, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal, and CEBIMED, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Márcia Carvalho
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal, Neurosciences Center of Coimbra, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal, and CEBIMED, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Remião
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal, Neurosciences Center of Coimbra, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal, and CEBIMED, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
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Alves E, Binienda Z, Carvalho F, Alves CJ, Fernandes E, de Lourdes Bastos M, Tavares MA, Summavielle T. Acetyl-L-carnitine provides effective in vivo neuroprotection over 3,4-methylenedioximethamphetamine-induced mitochondrial neurotoxicity in the adolescent rat brain. Neuroscience 2008; 158:514-23. [PMID: 19015003 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2008] [Revised: 10/21/2008] [Accepted: 10/27/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioximethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is a worldwide abused stimulant drug, with persistent neurotoxic effects and high prevalence among adolescents. The massive release of 5-HT from pre-synaptic storage vesicles induced by MDMA followed by monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) metabolism, significantly increases oxidative stress at the mitochondrial level. l-Carnitine and its ester, acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC), facilitate the transport of long chain free fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane enhancing neuronal anti-oxidative defense. Here, we show the potential of ALC against the neurotoxic effects of MDMA exposure. Adolescent male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: control saline solution, isovolumetric to the MDMA solution, administered i.p.; MDMA (4x10 mg/kg MDMA, i.p.); ALC/MDMA (100 mg/kg 30 min of ALC prior to MDMA, i.p.) and ALC (100 mg/kg, i.p.). Rats were killed 2 weeks after exposure and brains were analyzed for lipid peroxidation, carbonyl formation, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletion and altered expression of the DNA-encoded subunits of the mitochondrial complexes I (NADH dehydrogenase, NDII) and IV (cytochrome c oxidase, COXI) from the respiratory chain. Levels of 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were also assessed. The present work is the first to successfully demonstrate that pretreatment with ALC exerts effective neuroprotection against the MDMA-induced neurotoxicity at the mitochondrial level, reducing carbonyl formation, decreasing mtDNA deletion, improving the expression of the respiratory chain components and preventing the decrease of 5-HT levels in several regions of the rat brain. These results indicate potential benefits of ALC application in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Alves
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Molecular Neurobiology, Neuroprotection Laboratory, Rua do Campo Alegre, 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
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50
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3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine (ecstasy) promotes the survival of fetal dopamine neurons in culture. Neuropharmacology 2008; 55:851-9. [PMID: 18655796 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2008.06.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2008] [Revised: 06/10/2008] [Accepted: 06/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The current study examined whether modest concentrations of MDMA could increase the survival and/or neurite outgrowth of fetal midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons in vitro since increased DA neurite outgrowth has been previously observed in vivo from prenatal exposure. MDMA concentrations in fetal brain were quantified to determine relevant in vivo concentrations to employ in vitro. A dose response study in vitro demonstrated that MDMA, at concentrations observed in vivo, resulted in increased, DA-specific, neuron survival. Higher doses resulted in non-specific neurotoxicity. MDMA application immediately after culture establishment resulted in greater survival than delayed application, however both were superior to control. MDMA significantly increased the expression of the slc6a3 gene (dopamine transporter; DAT) in culture. Co-application of the DAT reuptake inhibitor methylphenidate (MPH) with MDMA attenuated this effect. Progressive reductions in MPH concentrations restored the MDMA-induced survival effect. This suggests that MDMA's action at DAT mediates the survival effect. Neurite density per neuron was unaffected by MDMA in vitro suggesting that MDMA promotes DA neuron survival but not neurite outgrowth in culture. Finally, animals prenatally exposed to MDMA and examined on postnatal day 35 showed an increase in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (TH+) neurons in the substantia nigra but not in the ventral tegmental area. These data suggest that during development, MDMA can increase the survival of DA neurons through its action at its transporter. Understanding how MDMA increases DA neuron survival may provide insight into normal DA neuron loss during development.
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