The Effects Of 3,4-Methylenedioxy-Methamphetamine On Neurogenesis In The Hippocampus Of Male Rats

Introduction: The administration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy causes memory impairment, whereas neurogenesis improves memory and learning. Hence, this study evaluated the effects of MDMA on neurogenesis in the hippocampus of male rats.Methods: Adult male Wistar rats received Intraperitoneal (IP) injections of MDMA (10 mg/kg). We assessed nestin, sex-determining region Y-box 2 (Sox2), and NeuroD expressions according to the immunohistochemistry analyses.Results: MDMA reduced the expressions of nestin, Sox2, and NeuroD compared with the control groups. The reduction in NeuroD expression was age-related.Conclusion: MDMA possibly has negative effects on neurogenesis, which specifically results from impaired survival of newborn cells.HighlightsMDMA has negative effects on neurogenesis of the hippocampus.There was an age-related decline in the neurogenesis of the control and MDMA-treated groups.Plain Language SummaryEcstasy or 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) binds to 5-HT transporter and inhibits serotonin absorption and subsequently serotonin accumulation in the synaptic cleft, which leads to an early release of serotonin. Following the acute release of serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), serotonin levels are reversibly depleted 3-4 h after ecstasy administration. This depletion persists for at least one week and causes neuronal damage and memory impairment. There is a correlation between neurogenesis in the hippocampus and memory. It seems that serotonin alterations in the hippocampus after MDMA administration may play a critical role in the neurogenesis deficits in the hippocampus, which should be investigated further.