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Initial characterization of PMMA as a discriminative stimulus
R A Glennon1, R Young, M Dukat
1Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298-0540, USA.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Para-methoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) acts like MDMA ("Ecstasy") but lacks amphetamine stimulant properties. This suggests PMMA is the parent compound for MDMA-like designer drugs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- Phenylisopropylamine (PMMA) is a structural hybrid of paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) and methamphetamine.
- PMMA unexpectedly lacks amphetamine-like or hallucinogen-like stimulus properties in animal models.
- Previous studies show stimulus generalization to PMMA in animals trained to discriminate MDMA from vehicle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To further characterize the unique pharmacological profile of PMMA.
- To investigate stimulus generalization patterns of PMMA in Sprague-Dawley rats.
- To determine if PMMA exhibits amphetamine-like or MDMA-like properties.
Main Methods:
- Six Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate 1.25 mg/kg of PMMA from saline vehicle.
- Stimulus generalization tests were conducted using various psychoactive compounds.
- Dose-response relationships (ED50) were determined for compounds showing generalization.
Main Results:
- The PMMA stimulus did not generalize to (+)amphetamine or DOM.
- Stimulus generalization occurred to (+/-)MDMA and S(+)MDMA.
- Partial generalization was observed with R(+)MDMA, PMA, 3.4-DMA, fenfluramine, and EH/PMMA.
Conclusions:
- PMMA functions as an MDMA-like agent, distinct from amphetamine-like stimulants.
- These findings support the classification of PMMA as the structural parent of the MDMA-like designer drug family.