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MDMA ("ecstasy") exhibits an anxiogenic-like activity in social encounters between male mice
1Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Campus de Teatinos, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain.
Abstract:
Recent studies have suggested that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; "ecstasy"), a synthetic amphetamine derivative, might exhibit an anxiogenic-like activity in rodents. In this work, we examined the effects of MDMA (1, 8 and 15 mg kg(-1), i.p.) on social encounters between male mice using an ethopharmacological approach. Likewise, we compared the behavioural profile of MDMA with that induced by FG 7142 (15 mg kg(-1), i.p.), an anxiogenic benzodiazepine receptor ligand. Individually housed mice were exposed to anosmic standard opponents 30 min after drug administration, and the encounters were videotaped and evaluated using an ethologically based analysis. MDMA (8 and 15 mg kg(-1)) produced a behavioural pattern characterized by a marked decrease of aggression (threat and attack) as well as social investigation, body care and digging behaviours, without affecting immobility. Moreover, avoidance/flee and defence/submission behaviours were significantly increased by the drug. A very similar behavioural profile was observed in FG 7142-treated animals. Overall, these findings might indicate that MDMA has anxiogenic-like properties in male mice.
Insights
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) may cause anxiety-like effects in male mice. Researchers observed decreased aggression and social investigation, with increased avoidance behaviors, similar to anxiogenic drug FG 7142.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Ethology
Background:
- Recent research suggests 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) may induce anxiety-like effects.
- MDMA is a synthetic amphetamine derivative with psychoactive properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anxiogenic-like effects of MDMA in male mice.
- To compare MDMA's behavioral profile with that of FG 7142, a known anxiogenic agent.
Main Methods:
- An ethopharmacological approach was used to analyze social encounters in male mice.
- Mice received intraperitoneal injections of MDMA (1, 8, 15 mg/kg) or FG 7142 (15 mg/kg).
- Behavioral responses during social encounters were videotaped and analyzed using ethologically based methods.
Main Results:
- MDMA (8 and 15 mg/kg) significantly reduced aggression, social investigation, body care, and digging behaviors.
- Avoidance/flee and defense/submission behaviors were notably increased by MDMA.
- FG 7142 induced a similar behavioral pattern, supporting MDMA's anxiogenic-like properties.
Conclusions:
- MDMA exhibits anxiogenic-like properties in male mice.
- The behavioral effects of MDMA resemble those of known anxiogenic benzodiazepine receptor ligands.
- Findings suggest MDMA's potential to induce anxiety in a rodent model.