Abstract
The party drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine -better known as MDMA or ecstasy- has numerous effects on the human body, characterized by a rush of energy, euphoria and empathy. However, also a multitude of toxic/neurotoxic effects have been ascribed to MDMA, based upon case reports and studies in animals. Given the intrinsic difficulties associated with controlled studies in human beings, most of our insights into the biology of MDMA have been gained through animal studies. The vast majority of these studies utilizes a pharmacological approach to elucidate the mechanisms by which MDMA exerts its effects. Advances in genetics during the last decade have led to the development of several mouse models (transgenic or knockout) that have greatly contributed to our understanding of MDMA biology. This review provides an overview of these genetically modified animal models, in the light of some characteristic effects of MDMA, e.g. hyperlocomotion, neurotoxicity, hyperthermia, behaviour or rewarding. Without a shadow of a doubt, the next decade will bring many more advanced animal models, such as mice with site-specific deletion or rescue of genes and more genetically modified rat models. These models will further improve our knowledge on the pharmacology and toxicity of MDMA and, possibly, may assist in developing therapies coping with potential damage in abusers of MDMA and other drugs, as well as in patients suffering from specific neuronal pathologies.
Keywords: Ecstasy, knock-out, MDMA, 3,4- methylenedioxymethamphetamine, mouse models, review, transgenic
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Title: Mice in Ecstasy: Advanced Animal Models in the Study of MDMA
Volume: 11 Issue: 5
Author(s): Christophe P. Stove, Els A. De Letter, Michel H.A. Piette and Willy E. Lambert
Affiliation:
Keywords: Ecstasy, knock-out, MDMA, 3,4- methylenedioxymethamphetamine, mouse models, review, transgenic
Abstract: The party drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine -better known as MDMA or ecstasy- has numerous effects on the human body, characterized by a rush of energy, euphoria and empathy. However, also a multitude of toxic/neurotoxic effects have been ascribed to MDMA, based upon case reports and studies in animals. Given the intrinsic difficulties associated with controlled studies in human beings, most of our insights into the biology of MDMA have been gained through animal studies. The vast majority of these studies utilizes a pharmacological approach to elucidate the mechanisms by which MDMA exerts its effects. Advances in genetics during the last decade have led to the development of several mouse models (transgenic or knockout) that have greatly contributed to our understanding of MDMA biology. This review provides an overview of these genetically modified animal models, in the light of some characteristic effects of MDMA, e.g. hyperlocomotion, neurotoxicity, hyperthermia, behaviour or rewarding. Without a shadow of a doubt, the next decade will bring many more advanced animal models, such as mice with site-specific deletion or rescue of genes and more genetically modified rat models. These models will further improve our knowledge on the pharmacology and toxicity of MDMA and, possibly, may assist in developing therapies coping with potential damage in abusers of MDMA and other drugs, as well as in patients suffering from specific neuronal pathologies.
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Cite this article as:
P. Stove Christophe, A. De Letter Els, H.A. Piette Michel and E. Lambert Willy, Mice in Ecstasy: Advanced Animal Models in the Study of MDMA, Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 2010; 11 (5) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920110791591508
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920110791591508 |
Print ISSN 1389-2010 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4316 |
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