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Repeated exposure to MDMA and amphetamine: sensitization, cross-sensitization, and response to dopamine D₁- and

Sarah Bradbury1, David Gittings, Susan Schenk

  • 1School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.

Psychopharmacology
|May 8, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Repeated exposure to MDMA causes a unique sensitization of hyperlocomotion, distinct from D-amphetamine. This suggests specific neurochemical changes underlie MDMA

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Acute 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) causes peripheral hyperlocomotion.
  • Repeated MDMA administration leads to central hyperlocomotor sensitization, similar to D-amphetamine (AMPH).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if common neuroadaptations underlie acute and sensitized responses to MDMA and AMPH.
  • To determine the neurochemical mechanisms of MDMA-induced sensitization.

Main Methods:

  • Rats received daily injections of MDMA, AMPH, or saline for five days.
  • Dose-response curves for hyperactivity were assessed for MDMA, AMPH, SKF-81297, and quinpirole after a drug-free period.

Main Results:

  • MDMA and AMPH pretreatment increased their respective hyperlocomotor effects.
  • MDMA pretreatment sensitized to AMPH, but AMPH pretreatment did not sensitize to MDMA (unidirectional cross-sensitization).
  • MDMA pretreatment increased quinpirole response, suggesting a unique neurochemical pathway.

Conclusions:

  • Repeated MDMA exposure induces sensitization through a distinct neurochemical mechanism.
  • The findings differentiate MDMA's neuroadaptive effects from those of AMPH.

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