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01-10-2017 | Original Paper

Hyperthermia Severely Affects the Vascular Effects of MDMA and Metabolites in the Human Internal Mammary Artery In Vitro

Authors: D. A. Fonseca, A. F. Guerra, F. Carvalho, E. Fernandes, L. M. Ferreira, P. S. Branco, P. E. Antunes, M. J. Antunes, M. D. Cotrim

Published in: Cardiovascular Toxicology | Issue 4/2017

Abstract

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or “ecstasy”) is a recreational drug used worldwide for its distinctive psychotropic effects. Although important cardiovascular effects, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, have also been described, the vascular effects of MDMA and metabolites and their correlation with hyperthermia (major side effect of MDMA) are not yet fully understood and have not been previously reported. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of MDMA and its main catechol metabolites, alpha-methyldopamine (α-MeDA), N-methyl-alpha-methyldopamine (N-Me-α-MeDA), 5-(glutathion-S-yl)-alpha-methyldopamine [5-(GSH)-α-MeDA] and 5-(glutathion-S-yl)-N-methyl-alpha-methyldopamine [5-(GSH)-N-Me-α-MeDA], on the 5-HT-dependent vasoactivity in normothermia (37 °C) and hyperthermia (40 °C) of the human internal mammary artery (IMA) in vitro. The results showed the ability of MDMA, α-MeDA and N-Me-α-MeDA to exert vasoconstriction of the IMA which was considerably higher in hyperthermic conditions (about fourfold for MDMA and α-MeDA and twofold for N-Me-α-MeDA). The results also showed that all the compounds may influence the 5-HT-mediated concentration-dependent response of IMA, as MDMA, α-MeDA and N-Me-α-MeDA behaved as partial agonists and 5-(GSH)-α-MeDA and 5-(GSH)-N-Me-α-MeDA as antagonists. In conclusion, MDMA abuse may imply a higher cardiovascular risk associated both to MDMA and its metabolites that might be relevant in patients with underlying cardiovascular diseases, particularly in hyperthermia.

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Title: Hyperthermia Severely Affects the Vascular Effects of MDMA and Metabolites in the Human Internal Mammary Artery In Vitro
Authors: D. A. Fonseca
A. F. Guerra
F. Carvalho
E. Fernandes
L. M. Ferreira
P. S. Branco
P. E. Antunes
M. J. Antunes
M. D. Cotrim
Publication date: 01-10-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Cardiovascular Toxicology / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 1530-7905
Electronic ISSN: 1559-0259
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-017-9398-y

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Hyperthermia Severely Affects the Vascular Effects of MDMA and Metabolites in the Human Internal Mammary Artery In Vitro

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