The effect of caffeine on MDMA-induced hydroxyl radical production in the mouse striatum

Background The psychostimulant 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) with a strong addictive potential is widely used as a recreational drug. Neurotoxicity of MDMA is related with the generation of highly reactive free radicals. Methods MDMA was given in doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg ip alone or in combination with caffeine (CAF) 10 mg/kg ip . Extracellular concentration of hydroxyl radical was measured using microdialysis in freely moving mice and was assayed by HPLC with electrochemical detection. Results MDMA dose-dependently increased production of hydroxyl radical in the mouse striatum and its effect was reversed by caffeine. Conclusions The data show that caffeine may have neuroprotective properties as it decreased oxidative stress induced by MDMA.