Thermoregulatory effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in humans (original) (raw)
Abstract
Rationale
Although 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; Ecstasy) has been reported to cause fatal hyperthermia, few studies of the effects of MDMA on core body temperature in humans have been conducted demonstrating increased body temperature. In rats, MDMA causes hyperthermia at warm ambient temperatures but hypothermia at cold ones.
Objectives
In this study, the physiological and subjective effects of MDMA in humans were determined at cold (18°C) and warm (30°C) ambient temperatures in a temperature and humidity-controlled laboratory.
Methods
Ten healthy volunteers who were recreational users of MDMA were recruited. Four laboratory sessions were conducted in a 2×2 design [i.e., two sessions at 30°C and two at 18°C, two during MDMA (2 mg/kg, p.o.) and two during placebo, in double-blind fashion]. Core body temperature (ingested radiotelemetry pill), skin temperature (four weighted sites), heart rate, blood pressure, metabolic rate (indirect calorimetry), shivering (electromyogram levels), and sweat rate (capacitance hygrometry) were measured as well as subjective effects for several time periods following capsule ingestion.
Results
MDMA produced significant elevations in core body temperature and metabolic rate in both warm and cold conditions. MDMA also produced significant elevations in blood pressure and heart rate and significantly increased several ratings of subjective effects similar to those previously reported. There were no differences related to ambient temperature for any of the subjective effects, except that ratings of cold and warm were appropriate to the ambient temperature and were not influenced by MDMA.
Conclusions
Unlike findings in rats, MDMA increased core body temperature regardless of ambient temperature in humans. These increases appeared related to increases in metabolic rate, which were substantial. These findings warrant further investigations on the role of MDMA and other stimulants in altering metabolism and thermogenesis.
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Acknowledgements
Supported by RO1 DA-14874 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (P.I. Tancer) and Joe Young, Sr. funds from the state of Michigan. The authors would like to thank James Granneman for his input on issues of thermogenesis.
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Authors and Affiliations
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
Robert R. Freedman, Chris-Ellyn Johanson & Manuel E. Tancer - C.S. Mott Center, 275 E. Hancock Avenue, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
Robert R. Freedman
Authors
- Robert R. Freedman
- Chris-Ellyn Johanson
- Manuel E. Tancer
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Correspondence toRobert R. Freedman.
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Freedman, R.R., Johanson, CE. & Tancer, M.E. Thermoregulatory effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in humans.Psychopharmacology 183, 248–256 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-005-0149-6
- Received: 17 May 2005
- Accepted: 18 July 2005
- Published: 15 September 2005
- Issue date: December 2005
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-005-0149-6