MDMA ("ecstasy") impairs learning in the Morris Water Maze and reduces hippocampal LTP in young rats

Neurosci Lett. 2010 Jan 29;469(3):375-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.12.031. Epub 2009 Dec 18.

Abstract

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), an important recreational psychostimulant drug, was examined for its ability to alter visuo-spatial learning and synaptic plasticity. Young rats received MDMA (0.2 and 2mg/kg s.c.) twice per day for 6 days while their visuo-spatial learning was tested using the Morris Water Maze. After this, animals were sacrificed and LTP induced in hippocampal slices. Visuo-spatial learning was impaired and LTP reduced, both dose-dependently, without changes in serotonin levels or paired-pulse facilitation. We conclude that low, nontoxic doses of MDMA, applied during several days, slow learning by impairing postsynaptic plasticity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging
  • Animals
  • CA1 Region, Hippocampal / drug effects*
  • CA1 Region, Hippocampal / physiology
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / administration & dosage
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Long-Term Potentiation / drug effects*
  • Male
  • Maze Learning / drug effects*
  • Maze Learning / physiology
  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / administration & dosage
  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / pharmacology*
  • Neuronal Plasticity / drug effects
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Serotonin / metabolism
  • Space Perception / drug effects
  • Space Perception / physiology
  • Swimming
  • Time Factors
  • Visual Perception / drug effects
  • Visual Perception / physiology

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Serotonin
  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine