The novel psychoactive substance methoxetamine induces persistent behavioral abnormalities and neurotoxicity in rats.

The novel psychoactive substance methoxetamine induces persistent behavioral abnormalities and neurotoxicity in rats.
Neuropharmacology. 2018 Oct 23;:
Authors: Costa G, Serra M, Pintori N, Casu MA, Zanda MT, Murtas D, De Luca MA, Simola N, Fattore L
Abstract
Methoxetamine (MXE) is a novel psychoactive substance that can induce several short-term effects on emotional states and behavior. However, little is known about the persistent emotional and behavioral effects of MXE. Moreover, neurotoxic effects of MXE have been hypothesized, but never demonstrated in vivo. To clarify these issues, rats received repeated treatment with MXE every other day (0.1-0.5 mg/kg, i.p., × 5), and 7 days later they were challenged with MXE (0.1-0.5 mg/kg, i.p.). Behavioral effects of MXE were first evaluated by measuring emission of ultrasonic vocalizations and locomotor activity after each administration. Thereafter, persistent behavioral effects of MXE were evaluated, starting 8 days after challenge, through elevated plus maze, spontaneous alternation, novel object recognition, and marble burying tests. After completion of behavioral analysis, neurotoxic effects of MXE were evaluated by measuring densities of dopamine transporter, tyrosine hydroxylase, and serotonin transporter in various brain regions. Repeated treatment and challenge with MXE affected neither calling behavior nor locomotor activity of rats. Conversely, rats previously treated ...

Source: Neuropharmacology - October 23, 2018 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Costa G, Serra M, Pintori N, Casu MA, Zanda MT, Murtas D, De Luca MA, Simola N, Fattore L Tags: Neuropharmacology Source Type: research