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Measuring Skeletal Muscle Thermogenesis in Mice and Rats
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Measuring Skeletal Muscle Thermogenesis in Mice and Rats

Published on: July 27, 2022

Baclofen prevents MDMA-induced rise in core body temperature in rats

Sotiria Bexis1, Benjamin D Phillis, Jennifer Ong

  • 1Department of Clinical & Experimental Pharmacology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.

Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|April 10, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Severe hyperthermia from 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is dangerous. Stimulating GABA(B) receptors with baclofen may treat MDMA-induced hyperthermia, offering a potential therapeutic avenue.

Area of Science:

  • Neuropharmacology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use is associated with fatal hyperthermia.
  • The precise mechanisms driving MDMA-induced hyperthermia remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential of GABAergic agonists in mitigating MDMA-induced hyperthermia.
  • To explore the effects of selective GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptor agonists on MDMA's physiological and behavioral effects in rats.

Main Methods:

  • Rats were pretreated with muscimol (GABA(A) agonist) or baclofen (GABA(B) agonist) before MDMA administration.
  • Core body temperature, heart rate, and locomotor activity were monitored using radiotelemetry.
  • The impact of pretreatments on MDMA's hyperthermic and stimulant effects was analyzed.

Main Results:

  • MDMA (15 mg/kg) significantly increased heart rate, body temperature, and locomotor activity.
  • Muscimol pretreatment did not alter MDMA-induced responses.
  • Baclofen pretreatment (3 mg/kg) attenuated MDMA-induced hyperthermia, delaying the onset and reducing the incidence of high body temperatures (≥40°C).
  • Baclofen also caused a transient delay in locomotor activity increase but did not affect heart rate.

Conclusions:

  • GABA(B) receptor stimulation, specifically with baclofen, demonstrates a potential therapeutic strategy for managing MDMA-induced hyperthermia.
  • These findings suggest a role for GABA(B) pathways in thermoregulation during MDMA intoxication.

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