Ecstasy-induced toxicity in rat liver

BackgroundAims." The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of single and repeated administration of 3.4-methylenedioxyme- thamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") on rat liver. Mefllods." Animals were given an acute (20 mg/kg) and repeated (20 mg/kg, b.i.d., for 4 consecu- tive day's) intraperitoneal dose of MDMA. and at various times after ad- ministration the hepatic and serum determinations were made. Resuhs. The effect of acute MDMA administration included increased triglyceride and cholesterol levels and an increase in all enzyme activities 6 h post adminis- tration. The toxic effect of MDMA was also observed in other hepatic processes. Gly'cogen content showed a marked decrease, which was ac- companied by' a decrease in serum glucose levels. No significant changes in lipid peroxidation and hepatic GSH content were observed. In con- Key words: 3,4-methylenedioxymethampheta- trast, multiple MDMA administration produced some evidence of oxida- mine(MDMA)- liver - lipid per0xidation - tive stress, namely, increased MDA content and decreased GSH content, a reduced glutathi0ne (GSH) - glycogen small decrease in liver glycogen at 3 h recovering 6 h post dose. no effect Dr.E.Cenarruzabeitia. University of Navarra, on blood glucose and increased AST and ALP activities but no effects SchoolofPharmacy, c/Irunlarrea 1, ' on ALl" activity. Seven days after the last MDMA injection a tendency 31008 Pamplona, Spain towards recovery was shown. Com'lusiom Our results show that the liver Received 23 October 1998.acceptedfor . toxicity' caused by' MDMA administration involves several mechanisms, publication 5 August1999