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Methoxetamine affects brain processing involved in emotional response in rats.
M T Zanda1, P Fadda1, S Antinori1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
British Journal of Pharmacology
|July 19, 2017
Summary
Methoxetamine (MXE) alters rat behavior and motor activity in a dose-dependent manner, with high doses showing antidepressant effects. This study reveals rapid neuroadaptive changes in the brain following MXE administration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Methoxetamine (MXE) is a novel psychoactive substance with emerging online availability.
- MXE induces dissociative effects and acute toxicity, but its pharmacological profile remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavioral effects of acute MXE administration in rats.
- To determine if MXE causes rapid neuroadaptive molecular changes in the brain.
Main Methods:
- Acute intraperitoneal administration of MXE (0.5-5 mg·kg⁻¹) to rats.
- Assessment of motor activity, anxiety-like behaviors, sociability, and antidepressant-like effects.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.
Main Results:
- MXE affected motor activity in a dose-dependent manner (hypermotility at low doses, hypomotility at high doses).
- Low to intermediate MXE doses induced anxiety- and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors.
- High MXE doses demonstrated transient analgesia and antidepressant-like effects, with increased S6 phosphorylation in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.
Conclusions:
- MXE exerts differential effects on behavior and emotional states in rats based on dosage.
- Acute MXE administration induces rapid neuroadaptive molecular changes, evidenced by increased S6 phosphorylation, similar to ketamine.
