Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
An Automated Method to Determine the Performance of Drosophila in Response to Temperature Changes in Space and Time
Published on: October 12, 2018
Experience-dependent changes in temperature and behavioral activity induced by MDMA
Maria E Reveron1, Esther Y Maier, Christine L Duvauchelle
1College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas at Austin, PHAR-Pharmacology, 1 University Station A1915, Austin, TX 78712-0125, USA.
Abstract:
Hyperthermia and hyperlocomotor activity are commonly reported acute effects of high dose, experimenter-delivered 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The current investigation was performed to determine short- to long-term physiological and behavioral changes induced by moderate intake MDMA self-administration. In the present study, rats self-administered MDMA (approx. 2.0-7.0 mg/kg/day) across 20 days during daily 2-h operant sessions. Locomotor activity was assessed during MDMA self-administration sessions and core temperatures were recorded before and after each session. Findings of the first several sessions showed core temperatures significantly decreased after MDMA self-administration compared to baseline and to a control group that self-administered saline during operant sessions. As sessions proceeded, the MDMA-induced hypothermic response diminished and core temperatures normalized, then increased during the last few sessions. Also, locomotor activity during MDMA self-administration sessions was initially equivalent to saline level activity, but increased by day 8 to significantly greater levels. Our findings demonstrate experience-dependent changes after voluntary administration of MDMA that are clearly observable in temperature regulation and behavioral activity.
Insights
Moderate self-administration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in rats led to initial hypothermia and normal activity, followed by temperature normalization and increased locomotion, demonstrating experience-dependent changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- High doses of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) typically cause hyperthermia and increased locomotor activity.
- Previous research focused on experimenter-delivered MDMA, not voluntary self-administration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the short- to long-term physiological and behavioral effects of moderate MDMA self-administration.
- To observe changes in core body temperature and locomotor activity over 20 days of daily MDMA intake.
Main Methods:
- Rats self-administered MDMA (2.0-7.0 mg/kg/day) for 20 days during 2-hour operant sessions.
- Locomotor activity was monitored, and core body temperatures were recorded before and after each session.
- A control group self-administered saline.
Main Results:
- Initially, MDMA self-administration caused a significant decrease in core body temperature compared to baseline and saline controls.
- Over time, the hypothermic effect diminished, with core temperatures normalizing and then increasing in later sessions.
- Locomotor activity, initially similar to saline levels, significantly increased by day 8 of MDMA self-administration.
Conclusions:
- Voluntary, moderate MDMA self-administration induces experience-dependent changes in physiological and behavioral responses.
- Temperature regulation and locomotor activity show adaptive changes with repeated MDMA exposure.
- These findings highlight the complex effects of MDMA beyond acute, high-dose responses.
