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Microdialysis of Ethanol During Operant Ethanol Self-administration and Ethanol Determination by Gas Chromatography
Published on: September 5, 2012
Ethanol co-administration moderates 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine effects on human physiology.
G J H Dumont1, C Kramers, F C G J Sweep
1Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. G.J.H.Dumont@psy.umcn.nl
Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Combining alcohol with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) did not worsen physiological effects. Ethanol intake moderated MDMA-induced fluid retention and temperature increase in healthy volunteers.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Alcohol and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) are frequently co-administered.
- Both substances impact cardiovascular function, hydration, and thermoregulation, potentially with opposing effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute physiological effects of combined MDMA and ethanol administration over time.
- To compare the effects of MDMA alone, ethanol alone, and their co-administration.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled study involving 16 healthy volunteers.
- MDMA (100 mg) administered orally, with blood ethanol levels maintained at 0.6 per thousand via intravenous infusion.
- Continuous monitoring of cardiovascular function, body temperature, and hydration status.
Main Results:
- Ethanol alone caused a transient heart rate increase but otherwise minimal physiological impact.
- MDMA significantly increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and induced fluid retention.
- Co-administration of ethanol with MDMA did not alter cardiovascular responses compared to MDMA alone.
- Ethanol attenuated MDMA's effects on fluid retention and showed a trend towards reducing the temperature increase.
Conclusions:
- Combined alcohol and MDMA use did not exacerbate acute physiological effects compared to other conditions.
- Ethanol moderated some of the adverse physiological effects of MDMA, including fluid retention and hyperthermia.
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