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Acute effects of d‐methamphetamine, 3,4‐methylenedioxypyrovalerone, 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and 4‐methylmethcathinone on wheel activity in rats
Author(s) -
Huang Pai-Kai,
Aarde Shawn M.,
Dickerson Tobin J.,
Taffe Michael A.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.1040.3
Subject(s) - mephedrone , mdma , stimulant , cathinone , methamphetamine , pharmacology , designer drug , ecstasy , recreational drug , meth , chemistry , medicine , amphetamine , drug , psychiatry , dopamine , monomer , organic chemistry , acrylate , polymer
A recent DEA report and ongoing media accounts show increasing recreational use of 4‐methylmethcathinone (4‐MMC, mephedrone) and 3,4‐methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). Some severe sympathomimetic symptoms, hallucinations, psychoses, and even deaths have been reported. Recent studies showed that 4‐MMC and MDPV enhanced DA neurotransmission, while 4‐MMC also increased 5‐HT neurotransmission, much like 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Therefore these novel cathinone recreational drugs may predict differential abuse potential and toxicities, as is the case for designer amphetamines. This study determined relative locomotor stimulant effects of 4‐MMC and MDPV, in comparison with d‐methamphetamine (METH) and MDMA, in male Wistar rats provided an activity wheel. Results showed a biphasic pattern for METH and MDPV, with increased wheel activity following lower doses and inhibition of activity at the highest dose. Monophasic, dose‐dependent reductions in activity were produced by MDMA and 4‐MMC. The data suggests MDPV produces typical locomotor stimulant effects whereas 4‐MMC is more similar to the entactogen MDMA. USPHS grants: DA024105 and DA024705.