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Effect of PMA optical isomers and 4-MTA in PMMA-trained rats
Malgorzata Dukat1, Richard Young, Richard A Glennon
1Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 980540, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA.
Abstract:
1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (PMA) and its sulfur analog, 1-(4-methylthiophenyl)-2-aminopropane (4-MTA), have been misrepresented as the controlled substance analog, N-methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (MDMA; "Ecstasy"). Because MDMA has been shown to produce both amphetamine-like and N-methyl-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (PMMA)-like stimulus effects in rats, we examined S(+)PMA, R(-)PMA and 4-MTA in rats trained to discriminate either PMMA (1.25 mg/kg) or (+)amphetamine (1.0 mg/kg) from saline vehicle. The sulfur analog of PMMA (i.e., 4-MTMA) was also examined. The PMMA stimulus generalized to R(-)PMA (ED50=0.4 mg/kg), whereas S(+)PMA produced a maximum of 72% PMMA-appropriate responding. 4-MTA (ED50=0.3 mg/kg) also substituted for PMMA, but 4-MTMA produced a maximum of only 36% PMMA-appropriate responding. None of the four agents substituted for (+)amphetamine. Hence, like MDMA, R(-)PMA and 4-MTA are capable of producing PMMA stimulus effects in rats, but unlike MDMA, neither agent substituted for (+)amphetamine.
Insights
1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (PMA) and its sulfur analog 4-MTA mimic PMMA effects in rats, but not amphetamine effects. This research clarifies their stimulant properties and potential for misrepresentation.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- 1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (PMA) and 1-(4-methylthiophenyl)-2-aminopropane (4-MTA) are sometimes mistaken for MDMA.
- MDMA exhibits both amphetamine-like and PMMA-like stimulant effects in rats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the stimulant effects of R(-)PMA, S(+)PMA, and 4-MTA in rats.
- To determine if these compounds generalize to the discriminative stimulus effects of PMMA or (+)amphetamine.
Main Methods:
- Rats were trained to discriminate between PMMA or (+)amphetamine and saline.
- The stimulus generalization of R(-)PMA, S(+)PMA, 4-MTA, and 4-MTMA to PMMA and (+)amphetamine was assessed.
Main Results:
- R(-)PMA and 4-MTA fully substituted for the PMMA stimulus.
- S(+)PMA and 4-MTMA showed limited generalization to the PMMA stimulus.
- None of the tested compounds substituted for the (+)amphetamine stimulus.
Conclusions:
- R(-)PMA and 4-MTA produce PMMA-like stimulus effects in rats.
- Unlike MDMA, R(-)PMA and 4-MTA do not produce (+)amphetamine-like stimulus effects.