The subchronic effects of 3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine on oxidative stress in rat brain

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the subchronic effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine on several oxidative stress markers: index of lipid peroxidation (ILP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, superoxide radical (O2.-) levels, and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in the frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus of the rat. The study included 64 male Wistar rats (200-250g). The animals were treated per os with of 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) every day for 15 days. The subchronic administration of MDMA resulted in an increase in ILP, SOD and O2.-, and a decrease in GSH, from which we conclude that oxidative stress was induced in rat brain.

Keywords

• 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA
• ecstasy)
• free radicals
• oxidative stress
• neurotoxicity